This was such an informative read. I feel that I have not just learnt more about mark Boucher and other players on the SA team, but a lot about the sport too.
Boucher does not shy away from sensitive or difficult topics in this memoir. He discusses Hansie Cronje and their mixed feelings towards a man who they greatly respected and admired and the acknowledgement that what he did was not right. He discusses the harm caused to players of colour, both emotionally and towards their careers, by placing them in the side, before they were ready, to fill a quota. His argument comes across clearly and does not contain the usual naive statements made by angry and ignorant people.
The best writing in this book is when Boucher is talking cricket in detail. His love for the sport and his competitiveness comes across. This is also where a reader can learn so much more about the game than the commentators give one.
The opening of the book was sad to read. Boucher starts it at the end of his career, with him losing his eye in a warm up game against England. I remember being devastated when I heard about the accident, and all those feelings returned.
Overall, I have grown to respect Boucher more. I hope he is as successful in saving the rhino as he was as a wicket keeper.
A great book and one can see how competitive Mark is, having to deal with the political issues as well, he seemed to rise above it. A great sportsman and a very well written book, hope he has similar success with his rhino protection projects
What a fantastic read. I have always liked Boucher as a player and followed his career, so reading his book just provided even greater insight to what was happening on (and off) the field.
A damn good book, pulling little to no punches in some cases . It's light hearted and funny when it needs to be and shows what goes on away from the cameras and off the field. Really enjoyed it.
Interesting anecdotes, but looks like the tours of England and Australia is all he valued. Few details on his experiences in the rest of the countries.