I have no connection whatsoever to Zimbabwe, but I have always been fascinated by its plight. Douglas writes about his own experience about the country, never once resorting to self-pity, instead writing about characters you grow to love, including his imperfect, but lovable parents.
The main issue with Zimbabwean writing, is that it discusses the problem as if it is simply whites v blacks. Rogers makes it clear that blacks receive just as much pain if not more from the Mugabe regime, and they are just as brave and stoical in their plight as his white parents.
The prose is beautifully written. A must read please buy it.
Henry Olonga was an incredibly brave man, and a wonderful cricketer with a fascinating story to tell. It's such a pity that this book is boring and turgid. It has no real structure and leaps into long winded and dull digressions. This could have done with a skilled ghost writer to bring out what is a great story.
Paul Lake was on the cusp of greatness before a run of the mill tackle turned his life upside down. A superstar in waiting at 20, washed up and finished by 22. Beautifully written and a heartbreaking insight to a dream that is shattered. Should be William Hill Sports Book of the year.
