Firstly, I am more than aware that I am not the target
audience for this book. Not just because I am too old, but also because I have
never watched a game of rugby in my life. I've seen it happening in TV
glimpses- it looks painful and the closest thing the 21st century has to actual
Roman Gladiators.
The author has done an excellent job of telling a complex and interesting
story in a very accessible way, which is certainly no easy task. I think a
healthy interest in rugby is pretty crucial to enjoying this book. Though there
are elements of family drama, an appealing underdog narrative and a bit of
chilling mystery in the story, these are all bit-part players when compared to
the overwhelming importance of rugby to the book. The author provides play by
play commentary of several important games, so some technical knowledge is
useful for these sections in particular. It's well written and maintains a good
pace throughout, but I'm not sure if there's enough there for your regular
non-rugby reader.
Eoin Madden, grandson of the mysterious rugby legend Dixie Madden, begins
his first week at his grandfather's old school, Castlerock College. A bit miffed that
everybody there seems to know more about his very private, quiet grandfather
than he does himself, Eoin quickly learns that the Madden name is a big deal in
Castlerock College. From some people, this translates to high expectations on the rugby
pitch. From others it just earns Eoin a lot of extra grief from school bully
and current rugby star, Duffy. Forced from absolute beginner and rugby fledgling
to game-ready athlete, Eoin has to learn the rules and the tactics practically
overnight, and in no time at all (but with a bit of practice) finds himself on
the first team. Rugby players are born and not made, it seems.
As term goes on, Eoin learns to cope with his increasing fame, an
unfortunate injury and greater positions of responsibility. He also has to come
to terms with his Grandfather's worsening health and the fact that he may never
find out why his grandfather quit rugby so suddenly all those years ago. Eoin
has some pretty sturdy rugby boots to fill and with a little help from his
History Teacher, his dorm mates and a mysterious character called Brian that he
meets at the Aviva stadium, he might just be able to prove he can be a future
rugby star in his own right- to himself, to his family and to the rest of his
team.
I enjoyed Eoin's journey from new kid to game changer, and I thought he came
across as a likable lad- modest, a good friend and a decent, hard worker. I
found it a little hard to believe that he was never aware of why his
grandfather stopped playing rugby. A tragedy of that nature, in any family, is
not a secret. Crimes and scandals are kept secret, not accidents and the big
mystery that had puzzled Eoin his whole life seemed a bit of an anti-climax
when it was revealed. Brian's story on the other hand, was much more engaging
and seemed to fit the narrative much better, though it was a bit of a surprise,
considering the very real-life tone of the book. His air of mystery made me
want to know much more about him and the things that he'd seen come and go. Mr
Finn the history teacher slash ex rugby coach was an excellent character, and
I'm glad that he became more of a presence towards the second half of the book.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable, if not entirely
understandable
read. The author clearly explains the rules, objectives and tactics needed in
rugby (even providing helpful diagrams!), the reader learns along with Eoin,
but I still failed to grasp it! Rugby is obviously not meant for me, I'm
afraid. The author's obvious passion and love for the sport shines through
every page, and those that want to take up rugby or already love rugby are
going to go mad for this book. Even people who are really into
any sport at
all could perhaps convert those feelings and emotions
into rugby
and join in with Eoin's triumphs and setbacks. However, I would advise those
unmoved by sports to perhaps look elsewhere for their next read...
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