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These Desired Things: A Collection of Short Stories Including Breaking Bread with Ayrton Senna
These Desired Things, Steve Matchett's much anticipated fourth book, is a stimulating, philosophical offering; a tour de force of creative writing. The book's immersive text is part fiction, part memoire. Complete with a suitably insightful foreword by Manish Pandey (writer of SENNA - the movie) and with its chapters illustrated by the atmospheric artwork of Renée French, Matchett's new book is exceptionally pleasing on the eye. The chapters of the work are presented as a collection of eleven short all varying in their individual plots and their settings - and yet all of them remain essential elements of the whole; for running through each is a series of subtle, uniting threads. And through Matchett's captivating telling of these affectionate tales, the author's (already renowned) written 'voice' attains a whole other level of The reader feels truly bonded to the writer's emotions. Also, it is encouraging to note, These Desired Things is not a continuation of the author's previous Matchett's F1 trilogy stands complete. This latest book, therefore, represents a refreshing new mission. Indeed, by introducing us to his pair of delightfully mysterious fictional characters (in two of this book's chapters - The Chestnut Tree and The Shadows Cast of Candlelight) it seems that Matchett is already setting the scene of a future novel. Undoubtedly, the diversity of all eleven stories - and the inimitable style of the storytelling - is sure to introduce a whole new readership to Matchett's writing. That said, the author has been most careful to include stories that will appeal to those already familiar with his earlier books - those readers with a knowledge and passion for Formula 1 motor racing. And, most likely, these same passionate readers will be moved to tears on reaching the closing lines of the book's penultimate chapter, Breaking Bread with Ayrton Senna. Steve Matchett gives readings of this truly atmospheric story during his always popular 'dinner/reading' events. Now, however, for the first time in print, this most endearing homage to the fallen, three-time world champion driver, Ayrton Senna, is presented in its full, unabridged form.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2017
39 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Steve Matchett
19 books36 followersSteve Matchett was a commentator for American cable TV on various F1 programs. Prior to that, he was a mechanic with Bennetton Formula Ltd.
He has published a semi-autobiographical trilogy based around his years in the F1 pit lane.
-Wikipedia
He has published a semi-autobiographical trilogy based around his years in the F1 pit lane.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 18, 2017
I didn't know what to expect of this book. Having read and enjoyed Steve Matchett's previous works, all centered around the world of Formula One, I had some trepidation as to whether I would enjoy this non F1 based work. I was an idiot to doubt him. This book is, simply put, remarkable. It mixes autobiographical snippets with poetic musings and as I read the book, I slowly realized that these seemingly unconnected chapters are at first loosely connected. By the end of the book as I completed the postscript, the book satisfyingly connected together like a jigsaw puzzle when you snap the last piece into place. I don't want to discuss the plot or content here, as that is part of the book's beauty.
There are a few books I re-read regularly, coming back to them year on year. I get something different out of them each time I read them. This book will be one of those I return to on a regular basis.
There are a few books I re-read regularly, coming back to them year on year. I get something different out of them each time I read them. This book will be one of those I return to on a regular basis.
April 12, 2018
Useful research for my upcoming book www.1994f1.com
Unlike Matchett's first 3 books, where a knowledge of Formula 1 is reasonably critical, this one can stand on its own. Yes, there are a myriad of references to people, races and locales, but it is less the event and much more personal. It is a beautiful book, and well worthy of a deep dive. I shall read it again. I can say unequivocally, I expect I shall have a new perspective on the narrative the second time round, as the words, thoughts and emotions are so beautifully woven together and as the glass revealed, so much more between the lines than one sees the first time.
A masterclass by Matchett's in good literature, hope my book can come somewhere close.
Unlike Matchett's first 3 books, where a knowledge of Formula 1 is reasonably critical, this one can stand on its own. Yes, there are a myriad of references to people, races and locales, but it is less the event and much more personal. It is a beautiful book, and well worthy of a deep dive. I shall read it again. I can say unequivocally, I expect I shall have a new perspective on the narrative the second time round, as the words, thoughts and emotions are so beautifully woven together and as the glass revealed, so much more between the lines than one sees the first time.
A masterclass by Matchett's in good literature, hope my book can come somewhere close.
April 8, 2021
Within the span of a generation a few great writers emerge, Steve Matchett is one of them.
Within the span of a generation a few great writers emerge, Steve Matchett is one of them. The reader does not have to be a fan of Formula 1 racing to enjoy his books; “These Desired Things: A Collection of Short Stories Including Breaking Bread with Ayrton Senna”, is a perfect example.
If the reader were to skip past this book because it is linked to auto racing then they’d miss out on some of the most poetic sentences I’ve read over the last 55 years. Some examples: “Enlightenment requires dedicated commitment, an unending process of quiet observance and devoted scholarship…”
“Of all the world’s creatures to visit this hillside grove, only man seems intent on rushing his allotted time. Not a single day unfolds without these misguided beasts yearning for their next meaningless disagreement, most trying to claim ownership of concepts quite beyond their limited understanding, a species of life permanently distracted from any hope of unity by their preoccupation of devising ever more terrible ways of obliterating one another. Folly.”
“I found Nigel in this raw state directly after this thoroughly ghastly race had finally ended. Standing alone in the Imola pit lane he seemed completely destroyed.”
And finally, “The mahogany door of the piano room heaved closed with assured solidity. There is no rattle, and there is never any misalignment. The machined latch found its mark with a single emphatic clunk: a deep, commanding note reminiscent of the closing of a Victorian train carriage. The robust door’s antique hinges are cast brass and highly polished; they did not squeak in fun as the mass of the heavy door swung shut.”
The short stories connect in ways unseen to the reader until Steve reveals the thread like a well seasoned mystery writer. The connections wrap-up a well thought-out book and are thoroughly satisfying for the reader. Yet, the real treat lies within the stories.
It’s the job of a writer to transport the reader away from the doldrums of life. Mr Matchett completes this task with ease through richly built sentences such as the ones above. They are a time machine that whisks the reader to a hillside in the Emilia-Romagna valley, sitting beneath an ancient olive tree. Or, to the trenches of WWI, or a young boy’s trek into a forest with a secret treasure map. There’s little doubt the reader will be placed right alongside each character for a rich and fascinating journey.
When you’re finished with this masterpiece of storytelling, I encourage the reader to go back to Steve Matchett's Formula One trilogy. Toss aside the notion that you must be an auto racing aficionado, open book one, sit back in a comfy chair and I guarantee his time machine will transport you away from the everyday worries of life.
Part One: Life in the Fast Lane.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (1995). Life in the Fast Lane: The Story of the Benetton Grand Prix Year. ISBN 0-297-81610-1.
Part Two: The Mechanic's Tale.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (1999). The Mechanic's Tale: Life in the Pit Lanes of Formula One. ISBN 0-7603-0754-7.
Part Three: The Chariot Makers.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (2004). The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car. ISBN 0-7528-5649-9.
Within the span of a generation a few great writers emerge, Steve Matchett is one of them. The reader does not have to be a fan of Formula 1 racing to enjoy his books; “These Desired Things: A Collection of Short Stories Including Breaking Bread with Ayrton Senna”, is a perfect example.
If the reader were to skip past this book because it is linked to auto racing then they’d miss out on some of the most poetic sentences I’ve read over the last 55 years. Some examples: “Enlightenment requires dedicated commitment, an unending process of quiet observance and devoted scholarship…”
“Of all the world’s creatures to visit this hillside grove, only man seems intent on rushing his allotted time. Not a single day unfolds without these misguided beasts yearning for their next meaningless disagreement, most trying to claim ownership of concepts quite beyond their limited understanding, a species of life permanently distracted from any hope of unity by their preoccupation of devising ever more terrible ways of obliterating one another. Folly.”
“I found Nigel in this raw state directly after this thoroughly ghastly race had finally ended. Standing alone in the Imola pit lane he seemed completely destroyed.”
And finally, “The mahogany door of the piano room heaved closed with assured solidity. There is no rattle, and there is never any misalignment. The machined latch found its mark with a single emphatic clunk: a deep, commanding note reminiscent of the closing of a Victorian train carriage. The robust door’s antique hinges are cast brass and highly polished; they did not squeak in fun as the mass of the heavy door swung shut.”
The short stories connect in ways unseen to the reader until Steve reveals the thread like a well seasoned mystery writer. The connections wrap-up a well thought-out book and are thoroughly satisfying for the reader. Yet, the real treat lies within the stories.
It’s the job of a writer to transport the reader away from the doldrums of life. Mr Matchett completes this task with ease through richly built sentences such as the ones above. They are a time machine that whisks the reader to a hillside in the Emilia-Romagna valley, sitting beneath an ancient olive tree. Or, to the trenches of WWI, or a young boy’s trek into a forest with a secret treasure map. There’s little doubt the reader will be placed right alongside each character for a rich and fascinating journey.
When you’re finished with this masterpiece of storytelling, I encourage the reader to go back to Steve Matchett's Formula One trilogy. Toss aside the notion that you must be an auto racing aficionado, open book one, sit back in a comfy chair and I guarantee his time machine will transport you away from the everyday worries of life.
Part One: Life in the Fast Lane.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (1995). Life in the Fast Lane: The Story of the Benetton Grand Prix Year. ISBN 0-297-81610-1.
Part Two: The Mechanic's Tale.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (1999). The Mechanic's Tale: Life in the Pit Lanes of Formula One. ISBN 0-7603-0754-7.
Part Three: The Chariot Makers.
Publishing reference: Steve Matchett (2004). The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car. ISBN 0-7528-5649-9.
January 1, 2018
Lyrical, relaxing writing.
A gorgeous and cleverly interconnected series of stories. The opening tale is an astonishing bit of surreal writing in and of itself, and it only gets better from there. I was captivated by the reminiscences of a Great War survivor and deeply moved by the author's visit to Ayrton Senna's grave on a special Saturday afternoon. Throughout these stories wind themes of discovery and deep human kindness. I feel very privileged to have been able to read these. Thank you, Mr. Matchett.
A gorgeous and cleverly interconnected series of stories. The opening tale is an astonishing bit of surreal writing in and of itself, and it only gets better from there. I was captivated by the reminiscences of a Great War survivor and deeply moved by the author's visit to Ayrton Senna's grave on a special Saturday afternoon. Throughout these stories wind themes of discovery and deep human kindness. I feel very privileged to have been able to read these. Thank you, Mr. Matchett.
August 8, 2019
The stories are all very good. Most people like the Breaking Bread with Ayrton Senna and yes I certainly loved that. The story about the boy in the piano room with his homework was very sad. Quite haunting, because I'm not good at math and I could really feel the apprehension and frustration at having to look at something that makes absolutely no sense to you. If you know Steve Matchett, as a Formula 1 commentator or as a former Formula 1 mechanic, and/or have read any of his other books, I can tell you that you won't be disappointed with this book.
February 1, 2018
Pleasantly Surprising
Steve Matchett's latest book is altogether different from his previous ones. But pleasantly so. Very little about Formula One in this book but quite interesting nonetheless Steve has a wonderful command of the English language and his storytelling is really difficult to describe other than you feel like you are right in the middle of his story. Very enjoyable book!
Steve Matchett's latest book is altogether different from his previous ones. But pleasantly so. Very little about Formula One in this book but quite interesting nonetheless Steve has a wonderful command of the English language and his storytelling is really difficult to describe other than you feel like you are right in the middle of his story. Very enjoyable book!
October 31, 2017
Great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short stories and remembrances. Steve has given us an intimate glimpse into his life and the experiences that made him who he is today. A very moving read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short stories and remembrances. Steve has given us an intimate glimpse into his life and the experiences that made him who he is today. A very moving read.
December 29, 2017
Having watched Steve Matchett on F1 broadcasts for 5 years, I could not help but read his words in his voice. I really enjoyed this novel of shorts and getting his insights into his life through his stories. Bravo!
January 2, 2018
Different
Not what I expected. Loved his first three books and TV commentary. Different, hard to explain but give it a chance.
Not what I expected. Loved his first three books and TV commentary. Different, hard to explain but give it a chance.
August 2, 2018
My favorite was The Chestnut Tree.
August 28, 2018
Great 👍
Marvelous ,a fun read.I have enjoyed all of Steve's books ..Very refreshing.
A must read for any F1 fan. Very refreshing.
Marvelous ,a fun read.I have enjoyed all of Steve's books ..Very refreshing.
A must read for any F1 fan. Very refreshing.
July 12, 2019
Not really the F1 book I expected
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews