Ticks off a bunch of historical fiction boxes for me:
- Previously unknown but extraordinary story
- Very faithful to fact as much as possible, while taking license in logical ways that make sense given gaps in historical record
- Interesting, well-drawn supporting cast
- Hard-hitting and powerful where it needs to be
WW2 books aren't everyone's idea of a good time, but I'd recommend this to anyone with a passing interest in a facet of the war that's traditionally less appreciated and understood by UK / US (myself included).
It's also not all guns, shooting and lads lads lads!
Large parts are excellent, small parts are a bit slower. But extra points for stepping swiftly over flash-forwards to get back to the action.
“People don't want new, they want the familiar done differently”
A 7/10 4* from me because:
- It is unequivocally as advertised - an easy read, Sunday afternoon on ITV4 story
- It largely achieves my interpretation of its aims in how it presents the (fairly standard) characters and key messages
- It is definitely compelling enough to want to continue reading, despite the on-the-rails plot
The tennis fan in me inwardly cringed a bit at some of the Basil Exposition explanations of the rules and basics of the sport but it's limited enough to be distracting only in a Drive To Survive / Break Point way.
For a different perspective on the cost of elite success in pro tennis, Andre Agassi's autobiography ‘Open' is excellent and very honest.
Overall I'd be happy enough to pick up another TJR at the airport.
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