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The Tennis Player from Bermuda
The Bermudian Magazine said, "Have you ever read a book you loved so much that when you reached the end you wished you could start all over again? That's exactly the way I felt when I finished reading The Tennis Player from Bermuda, written by Bermudian author, Fiona Hodgkin."
In The Tennis Player from Bermuda, Fiona Hodgkin tells the story of her short but spectacular career as an amateur tennis player in the early 1960s. Fiona met Claire Kershaw, the number one woman tennis player and twice a Wimbledon champion. Claire was an imp. To get Fiona into the qualifying round for Wimbledon, Claire makes a comical, tongue-in-cheek offer to the mysterious ‘Committee’ that runs the Championships at Wimbledon. Fiona and Claire quickly become best friends—as well as rivals on the brilliant green grass tennis courts of Wimbledon. Against the backdrop of the London social season, the tennis competition at Wimbledon, and the tennis fashions designed by the irrepressible Teddy Tingling, Fiona has two love affairs, one of which Fiona ends forever—or perhaps she doesn’t.
In The Tennis Player from Bermuda, Fiona Hodgkin tells the story of her short but spectacular career as an amateur tennis player in the early 1960s. Fiona met Claire Kershaw, the number one woman tennis player and twice a Wimbledon champion. Claire was an imp. To get Fiona into the qualifying round for Wimbledon, Claire makes a comical, tongue-in-cheek offer to the mysterious ‘Committee’ that runs the Championships at Wimbledon. Fiona and Claire quickly become best friends—as well as rivals on the brilliant green grass tennis courts of Wimbledon. Against the backdrop of the London social season, the tennis competition at Wimbledon, and the tennis fashions designed by the irrepressible Teddy Tingling, Fiona has two love affairs, one of which Fiona ends forever—or perhaps she doesn’t.
383 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
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177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've played tennis off and on since I was a teenager but became a little more serious about it as a middle-aged adult with weekly lessons and matches.
Fiona has played tennis from childhood on with family members. While playing doubles she gains a "coach" in Rachel (who lost her own Wimbledon final years earlier). Rachel coaches and prepares Fiona to eventually play at Wimbledon. Fiona leaves Bermuda to attend Smith in the states and finds herself on the tennis team. After winning a tournament (her first to play) she is rewarded with an exhibition match with Claire Kershaw, 2 time Wimbledon champ. And thus begins Fiona's road to play Wimbledon.
The book is cute, funny, and full of tennis!
Fiona has played tennis from childhood on with family members. While playing doubles she gains a "coach" in Rachel (who lost her own Wimbledon final years earlier). Rachel coaches and prepares Fiona to eventually play at Wimbledon. Fiona leaves Bermuda to attend Smith in the states and finds herself on the tennis team. After winning a tournament (her first to play) she is rewarded with an exhibition match with Claire Kershaw, 2 time Wimbledon champ. And thus begins Fiona's road to play Wimbledon.
The book is cute, funny, and full of tennis!
August 28, 2012
"Why would I want to read about a tennis player from Bermuda," I asked my friend who recommended this book. "I'd amaze myself if I were even able to hit a serve." But then I reminded myself that I love Bermuda, and my friend has good taste, so I started in.
Initially, the whole genteel upper-crust Bermudians in the early 60's thing charmed me. Then came the chapter with all sorts of technical descriptions of topspins, angles, net rushings and whatnot. "Oh boy," I said to myself. "I can't do this."
Yet I kept reading....and soon I found that I couldn't wait to pick the book up each night. Fiona's grandmothers and mother were all doctors? Back in THOSE days? What would happen with Fiona and Mark? Sure, she was invited to Roehampton, but surely she'd be defeated there. How would she balance her social obligations to her hostess during "the season" in London with her competition? Would she break her promise to her mother and have sex in London? Why is that older woman spending so much time coaching her? What's up with the ruling Wimbledon women's champion being so friendly and helping a potentially dangerous competitor? Next thing you know, I was actually NOT skipping over the tennis strategy parts. And Fiona has put just enough history about tennis in here (women tennis players shocking the world by wearing LACE!!!!) (a young American upstart named Billie Jean Moffett) to keep it feeling lively and real.
Ultimately, this book is about strong women guiding and helping each other from generation to generation.
I recommend "The Tennis Player from Bermuda" to anyone who loves tennis, who has played competitive tennis, or even to someone who has a deathly fear of any type of ball coming at them at top speed (like me). But most of all, I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about women who believe in themselves and the power of friendship.
Initially, the whole genteel upper-crust Bermudians in the early 60's thing charmed me. Then came the chapter with all sorts of technical descriptions of topspins, angles, net rushings and whatnot. "Oh boy," I said to myself. "I can't do this."
Yet I kept reading....and soon I found that I couldn't wait to pick the book up each night. Fiona's grandmothers and mother were all doctors? Back in THOSE days? What would happen with Fiona and Mark? Sure, she was invited to Roehampton, but surely she'd be defeated there. How would she balance her social obligations to her hostess during "the season" in London with her competition? Would she break her promise to her mother and have sex in London? Why is that older woman spending so much time coaching her? What's up with the ruling Wimbledon women's champion being so friendly and helping a potentially dangerous competitor? Next thing you know, I was actually NOT skipping over the tennis strategy parts. And Fiona has put just enough history about tennis in here (women tennis players shocking the world by wearing LACE!!!!) (a young American upstart named Billie Jean Moffett) to keep it feeling lively and real.
Ultimately, this book is about strong women guiding and helping each other from generation to generation.
I recommend "The Tennis Player from Bermuda" to anyone who loves tennis, who has played competitive tennis, or even to someone who has a deathly fear of any type of ball coming at them at top speed (like me). But most of all, I recommend it to anyone who loves stories about women who believe in themselves and the power of friendship.
March 18, 2025
Good, but don’t read unless you really like tennis.
August 28, 2012
3.5 stars
http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/20...
From the publisher:
…In 1962, the tennis players at Wimbledon were all amateurs -- there were no entourages for players, no lucrative product endorsements, and little money. Tennis fashion design was the domain of the extraordinary Teddy Tinling.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club was a tiny 13 acres with only 16 grass courts, including the famous Centre Court.
In The Tennis Player from Bermuda, Fiona tells how she qualified for Wimbledon in 1962 _ and became the best friend of Claire Kershaw, the number one woman player in the world. Fiona fell in love with Claire’s brother, a handsome Royal Marines officer, and their love affair played out against the dramatic Championship match between Claire and Fiona.
Fiona’s story combines friendship and love with one of the greatest sports competitions of all time…
I started playing tennis late in life – like two years ago. Who knew you could fall in love with something at middle age – and be good at it! Although my tennis career has taken a hiatus in the past 6 months, it’s still an absolute joy to get out on the courts for a match.
When I saw this book advertised in the New York Times Book Review, I KNEW I had to read it! Thanks to Troubador for sending me a copy.
What I liked: Ms. Hodgkin’s narrative about the actual game of tennis was a thrill to read. So much of my game is the determination to do nothing more than get the ball over the net and not hit it out. I loved the portion where the author talked about the physics of the game: speed, velocity, force, drag – good heavens – I had no idea I needed to be a scientist to be a good tennis player. I learned so much.
I loved reading about the history of Wimbeldon. I remember watching the Bjorn Borg/John McEnroe match back in the 80s. I haven’t been there – but after reading Ms. Hodgkin’s book and the addition of my personal TV memories – I feel like I have.
I loved Fiona and her cast of friends – Claire (her best friend and Wimbeldon opponent) and Rachel (her coach) – and her family – they were fun, quirky, and enjoyable.
What I didn’t like: while Ms. Hodgkin excelled at writing about the game and nuances of tennis and Wimbledon – her romance writing (Fiona had two love interests) was lacking. One of her relationships ends abruptly, and where there should have been this great sense of sadness…there was really no emotion at all. There was also a veiled reference to “date rape” that was really uncomfortable. When I read that particular scene I thought, “ummm….she didn’t just blame herself for that did she?”
Ms. Hodgkin didn’t actually play at Wimbeldon in 1962. I had to constantly remind myself that this was a NOVEL not a memoir, and Ms. Hodgkin used herself as a the main character.
If you are a tennis player, a fan of the game or a fan of Wimbledon – or even a fan of British chic lit – this was overall an amusing and entertaining read.
http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/20...
From the publisher:
…In 1962, the tennis players at Wimbledon were all amateurs -- there were no entourages for players, no lucrative product endorsements, and little money. Tennis fashion design was the domain of the extraordinary Teddy Tinling.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club was a tiny 13 acres with only 16 grass courts, including the famous Centre Court.
In The Tennis Player from Bermuda, Fiona tells how she qualified for Wimbledon in 1962 _ and became the best friend of Claire Kershaw, the number one woman player in the world. Fiona fell in love with Claire’s brother, a handsome Royal Marines officer, and their love affair played out against the dramatic Championship match between Claire and Fiona.
Fiona’s story combines friendship and love with one of the greatest sports competitions of all time…
I started playing tennis late in life – like two years ago. Who knew you could fall in love with something at middle age – and be good at it! Although my tennis career has taken a hiatus in the past 6 months, it’s still an absolute joy to get out on the courts for a match.
When I saw this book advertised in the New York Times Book Review, I KNEW I had to read it! Thanks to Troubador for sending me a copy.
What I liked: Ms. Hodgkin’s narrative about the actual game of tennis was a thrill to read. So much of my game is the determination to do nothing more than get the ball over the net and not hit it out. I loved the portion where the author talked about the physics of the game: speed, velocity, force, drag – good heavens – I had no idea I needed to be a scientist to be a good tennis player. I learned so much.
I loved reading about the history of Wimbeldon. I remember watching the Bjorn Borg/John McEnroe match back in the 80s. I haven’t been there – but after reading Ms. Hodgkin’s book and the addition of my personal TV memories – I feel like I have.
I loved Fiona and her cast of friends – Claire (her best friend and Wimbeldon opponent) and Rachel (her coach) – and her family – they were fun, quirky, and enjoyable.
What I didn’t like: while Ms. Hodgkin excelled at writing about the game and nuances of tennis and Wimbledon – her romance writing (Fiona had two love interests) was lacking. One of her relationships ends abruptly, and where there should have been this great sense of sadness…there was really no emotion at all. There was also a veiled reference to “date rape” that was really uncomfortable. When I read that particular scene I thought, “ummm….she didn’t just blame herself for that did she?”
Ms. Hodgkin didn’t actually play at Wimbeldon in 1962. I had to constantly remind myself that this was a NOVEL not a memoir, and Ms. Hodgkin used herself as a the main character.
If you are a tennis player, a fan of the game or a fan of Wimbledon – or even a fan of British chic lit – this was overall an amusing and entertaining read.
August 4, 2013
Thank you to Matador Publishing via NetGalley for the chance to review an eARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.
THE TENNIS PLAYER FROM BERMUDA presents the eponymous tale of Fiona Hodgkin, a tennis player, from Bermuda as she travels to London to experience "The Season" in 1962. While she is there, and due to the clever machinations of her new friend Claire Kershaw (1961 Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion), Fiona qualifies for Wimbledon. Along the way Fiona falls in love, twice, offends her host family, makes some friends and sends a swathe of telegrams.
A harmless enough read, one could be forgiven at times for thinking one was in Jane Austen's 18th Century England, rather than Hodgkins' England of the 1960s - thanks to the descriptions of formal address, the rituals and the proscriptions on sexual activities.
I enjoyed the book, especially it's autobiographical style. Some of the tennis match descriptions were overly long and involved for someone who plays sporadically and socially, but could resonate with a true tennis aficionado.
THE TENNIS PLAYER FROM BERMUDA presents the eponymous tale of Fiona Hodgkin, a tennis player, from Bermuda as she travels to London to experience "The Season" in 1962. While she is there, and due to the clever machinations of her new friend Claire Kershaw (1961 Wimbledon Ladies Singles Champion), Fiona qualifies for Wimbledon. Along the way Fiona falls in love, twice, offends her host family, makes some friends and sends a swathe of telegrams.
A harmless enough read, one could be forgiven at times for thinking one was in Jane Austen's 18th Century England, rather than Hodgkins' England of the 1960s - thanks to the descriptions of formal address, the rituals and the proscriptions on sexual activities.
I enjoyed the book, especially it's autobiographical style. Some of the tennis match descriptions were overly long and involved for someone who plays sporadically and socially, but could resonate with a true tennis aficionado.
June 12, 2013
This took a long time to read because I read only one segment per day. I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I was happy to win this book because I don't know anything about tennis, yet if I were to choose a sport to learn, tennis would be the one. I enjoyed Fiona Hodgkin's story very much, and I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to read this story. The thing that puzzles me is that the back cover, down where the bar code is says it's fiction. I don't know. This reads just like an autobiography, and I am convinced that Fiona Hodgkin IS THE tennis player from Bermuda! Fact or fiction, this is a wonderful book!
April 3, 2013
This novel magically transported me to another world. We visited beautiful Bermuda, high-society London, and the ivory towers of Baltimore; however it was the glimpse into the pre-professional world of Wimbledon that is priceless. Young women consistently win in this story. Both as tennis champions, esteemed medical doctors, and independent thinkers with sharp wit. One may have expected these young women in aristocratic circles to serve as adornment on the arms of gallant gentlemen. Instead, they pushed boundaries, loved freely, and drove Alfa Romeos with abandon. A fantasy filled and fantastic read
April 30, 2013
ARC! <3
4.5
Wow, this book was so fantastic! This book brought me into an entirely different world. It was amazing seeing all these places like London and Bermuda that I will probably never see in my real life. Ugh, this book was so good. I was actually surprised when I won this as a giveaway, I didn't think I'd actually like it. And it did take me a while to get through it but once I made it to the end I was so happy I did. Fiona is so perfect, I wanted to keep her all to myself. Ugh. This was so good.
4.5
Wow, this book was so fantastic! This book brought me into an entirely different world. It was amazing seeing all these places like London and Bermuda that I will probably never see in my real life. Ugh, this book was so good. I was actually surprised when I won this as a giveaway, I didn't think I'd actually like it. And it did take me a while to get through it but once I made it to the end I was so happy I did. Fiona is so perfect, I wanted to keep her all to myself. Ugh. This was so good.
June 6, 2013
Loved this book about a girl from Bermuda who played at Wimbledon in 1962. Fiona played and practiced daily at the Coral Beach & Tennis Club on South Road in Bermuda. If you've been to Bermuda, you know that Coral Beach is still there. 50 years ago, tennis, manners, culture, everyday life was vastly different from today. Need to get in touch with someone quickly, send a telegram from the post office! A wonderfully nostalgic read about Bermuda, tennis and the early 60s from a young woman's perspective.
December 3, 2012
I love tennis and play it often but even were this not the case, this is a gripping and fun read. I read it in three quick sittings. The author has a strong sensibility along with a strong sense of fun. Good mix of gripping story, strong women, history of women, history of tennis,...and a unique view of tennis the game as it is actually played, and tennis as it was for women at Wimbledon before it became professional. Good read for anyone.
April 15, 2013
I won this book from a first reads giveaway. This book is written in the style of a memoir about a young girl's rise to fame as a tennis star. This was a fun read - the author did a great job presenting history alongside a light hearted story about friendship, family, and love. Even those who have little interest in tennis would enjoy this book.
May 29, 2013
I am not into Tennis... so I did find this difficult to get into. Once I got past the beginning and the story line started to form, I did get into it. Lovely story, unexpected turns... Glad I got to experience this through First Reads.
July 28, 2015
If you don't play tennis this book is about women who believe in themselves and it's a beautiful story about wonderful friendships. If you do play tennis it's all that plus a beautiful story about a girls rise to Wimbledon.
March 11, 2013
Read in one day! A delight for anyone who plays....
January 7, 2013
Very good read. Especially for tennis fan like myself :-) Funny to read about how things were in the past.
March 30, 2013
I liked this book. I lulled a little but all in all I enjoyed it. It would be a great vacation read.
August 11, 2013
This book is written primarily for women, but I enjoyed it, perhaps because I love tennis and have visited Bermuda and London, the primary settings. Kind of light and fun, a quick read.
Want to read
October 8, 2015Only sampled. Did not read all of it!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews