Marooned: A Memoir of Fandom, Fatherhood and the Far Side of the World

by Darren Groth

On June 8, 2022, in a Vancouver townhouse, Darren Groth gathers with his family – his elderly parents and two younger brothers – to watch an early morning replay of the year’s opening State of Origin. The occasion is full of unknowns. Uncertain of the result, unsure when they’ll travel from the four corners of the globe and meet again and - due to the incurable cancer in his father’s blood – fearing this may be the last time he gets to watch a Maroons game with him.

This crossroads moment is the spur to look back on Darren’s lifelong love of the Queensland rugby league team and explore the role it has played in shaping and affirming his identity. Written as a chronological series of funny, thoughtful and accessible essays, the memoir chronicles the author’s unique journey as a Maroon devotee, the highs and lows on and off the field, the key place the team has occupied in the relationship with his dad and disabled son, and its necessity in connecting him to his state of origin while living far from home.

Marooned is a moving, funny, and deeply heartfelt memoir of fathers and sons, love of team, and love of state. Spanning five decades of Queensland rugby league devotion – from dusty backyards in Hughenden to frosty mornings in Canada – it's a story about belonging, resilience, and the ties that bind us across distance, hardship, and time.

Paperback

Expected publication May 20, 2026

About the author

Darren Groth is a Vancouver author and citizen of Canada, having moved from his native Australia in 2007. His novels include 'Kindling', 'Boy in the Blue Hammock' and the acclaimed YA works, 'Are You Seeing Me?' and 'Munro vs. the Coyote'. His new memoir, 'Marooned: A Memoir of Fandom, Fatherhood and the Far Side of the World', will be out May 20, 2026.

Darren has been a winner in the South Australian Literary Awards and a finalist in numerous other prestigious prizes including the Governor General's Literary Awards (Canada), the OLA White Pine Award (Canada). the CBCA Book of the Year (Australia), and the Prime Minister's Literary Awards (Australia).

For fun, he watches 'American Ninja Warrior' with his beautiful Canadian wife and eats Fatburger with his wondrous twins.