Bouch: Through my eyes

by Mark Boucher, Neil Manthorp

When Mark Boucher played one of his first games of cricket for South Africa, a senior player took him aside and bluntly told him he was the worst wicketkeeper ever to play in the national side. Over a decade later, when Bouch finally retired with a plethora of records under his belt and to huge acclaim from the public, he took grim satisfaction in relating this piece of history. Through my Eyes is the story of a man with remarkable sporting prowess. Born into a sports-mad family in East London, he excelled in squash, tennis and rugby before choosing cricket as his preferred sport. His extraordinary achievements on the field are well known - he was voted SA player of the year in 1998, 2000 and 2006. What is not so well known, and makes up much of this book, are the behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes. Stories of staring down the barrel of defeat and of celebrating victory; of developing strong bonds with teammates Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and others that go way beyond mere friendship. What emerges is the image of a man who always fought for the underdog, whose never-say-die attitude inspires those around him. Bouch's career was brought to a dramatic end on a cricket pitch in England when the bail of a stump punctured his left eye. But, in his own words, 'I lost sight but gained vision.' True to his character of gritty determination, Bouch has rededicated his life to a new cause, that of the environment and particularly the critically endangered rhino.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Sports

405 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2013

Reviews

[Roz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific to see the mindset of the current protea coach. Terrific player and interesting read.

[Wiaan Heyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Red Rhum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read.
Far less boring than I expected.
Would recommend.

[Prateek Rath · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best wicket keeper - batsmen of his era. To have such a tragic ending to his cricketing career. 8.5/10

[Chantal Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joe Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book, recommended to any Protea and/or Boucher fan

[Johann Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kartik Parimal · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Lindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Bailey Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed Bouch! Fascinating and insightful

[Yolandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read This book years ago when it came out. Not sure why it was on my To-Read List