Ball of fire: An autobiography

by Fred Trueman

A fascinating self-portrait of the cricketer Fred Trueman.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

191 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Dark-Draco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know absolutely nothing about cricket and only picked up this book for part of a Release Challenge. I was mildly surprised by how entertained I was.

Fred Trueman, fast bowler and sports journalist, writes about his life from the childhood home in rural Yorkshire, to life after retiring from the game. He constantly attacks the cricketing world, from other players to the MCC and given the evidence he presents, you can understand why. This is quite funny in places and in others, you can't help sharing his frustration as he is passed over yet again for the England team or forced to play in a way he know won't win the game.

Enjoyable and worth reading - I learnt some new things.

[Peter Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like his bowling, Trueman doesn't hold back in this back. You can see both why he has a case against selectors etc, but also why they would have had a case against him. Blunt, arrogant, entertaining and irritating in equal measure, this reads quickly as an extended extolling of his virtues and a rant against others

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed being transported back into another era. It shows how some things have changed beyond recognition whereas others are still the same (fyfyi: NOT a CM). Great to hear famous names from my childhood.

[Eric Kalnins · Rating 2 out of 5]

A modest little book from an immodest individual. For the Trueman and / or cricket fan.