Grown Men

by Sheelagh Mawe

Austin Sinclair and Jack Winston grew up together on the poor side of town. One quiet, sober, and tenacious; the other a reckless charmer, always seeking a challenge. Together, they shared a love for tennis that forged an unlikely bond and incited a fierce rivalry between them. Chancing upon the game in high school, they mastered it, each nurturing secret dreams of fame, wealth, women, and glory on the championship circuit. Then adult life took them in different directions. Jack and Austin haven't spoken in years. Now they are grown mature, accomplished, and middle-aged. And a chance reunion in a crowded restaurant results in a friendly, fateful invitation to compete once again at Austin's exclusive tennis club. But from the first serve on an impeccable clay court to the final, breathless point of a truly unforgettable match, unresolved resentments and tensions will determine the pace of the play. For every lob and backhand, every point surrendered or won, brings with it serious questions about the past and the choices made. With each set comes potentially explosive revelations about love, money, and the nature of competition. And by match's end, Austin and Jack will know more about themselves, their game, and their friendship than they knew at the onset... and their lives will have changed forever.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Logan Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, quick read. If it comes out in the future Luca Guadagnino stole Challengers from this book… you heard it here first.

[alex catalano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any man or woman who played sports or was involved in a competitive activity as a teenager needs to read this book. Enough said!