The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter by Craig Lancaster

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


The Fallow Season of Hugo Hunter is a fast-paced story about Mark Westerly, a seasoned journalist at the local rag who recounts stories from his own past and his long association with Hugo Hunter, a young Olympic medallist who never quite reached his potential in the pros.
Although the book charts the life-long friendship between journalist and boxer, the heavier blows are landed in the scenes from Westerly’s personal life. He covers his stormy relationship with first wife Marlene, his fractious father-son with Von in particular, and also the psychological aftermath of a failed marriage sunk by overwhelming guilt. This book is certainly not just for boxing fans, it’s about everyday dreams, losses, and possible chances of redemption.
The central plot is familiar, a small-town kid makes good, turns pro and then hits the skids as his skills begin to fade, but there's enough here – set at a decent pace – to keep you reading. Mark’s own story serves as a foil to Hugo’s, in many ways the two men grow up together with a shared goal, but they also face their own struggles away from the glamour of boxing. Hugo pulls no punches in the ring, and Mark can’t avoid the punches outside of it.
This is the first Craig Lancaster book I’ve read. He has an easy style reminiscent of Elmore Leonard, the story moves along with a silky smoothness that’s hard to achieve. That said, I didn't really connect with Hugo as much as the story demanded. Leonard’s ability to make heroes of his villains was missing and I kept asking myself why Mark Westerly was so dedicated to such an obvious repeat offender. Lancaster doesn’t yet have Elmore’s sassy edge, but there are hints of it here and there. (“You know,” he said, “I don't think I want to live in a world where you can’t kick the ass of someone who deserves it.”)
In between chapters there are excerpts from Hugo’s own efforts at an autobiography, the excerpts reinforce the sense of missed opportunity he feels. The female characters are strong, providing some balance to the testosterone on show.  

An enjoyable read. Overall a winner on points.