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God's Fast Bowler
- GenresAutobiography
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 16, 2024
I loved this book. I am a person who had no interest in cricket at the start of this book, however I found myself enthralled with Peter Pollock’s descriptions of cricket matches and laughing at the way he writes personal anecdotes and inside stories. During the book I turned into a Springbok supporter and was there with South Africa when they took on England, Australia and the rest of the worlds great teams. To my surprise, whilst enjoying the anticipation and excitement with Peter I found myself unexpectedly becoming a cricket fan. It’s almost like he explained to me what was so enjoyable about the game and now I’m looking forward to the next cricket World Cup so I can put on my green jersey!
Admittedly sometimes I got lost in the cricket jargon having to Google what mid-on and mid-wicket meant, I also found that sometimes the matches were over too soon when I was enjoying reading about them.
What a life this man lived, being a top flight cricketer for South Africa and then becoming part of the wider team after retiring, and then being able to watch his son play for South Africa. But after all that he experienced and achieved, on the last pages of the book he explains eloquently the real meaning and purpose of his life, Jesus Christ.
Admittedly sometimes I got lost in the cricket jargon having to Google what mid-on and mid-wicket meant, I also found that sometimes the matches were over too soon when I was enjoying reading about them.
What a life this man lived, being a top flight cricketer for South Africa and then becoming part of the wider team after retiring, and then being able to watch his son play for South Africa. But after all that he experienced and achieved, on the last pages of the book he explains eloquently the real meaning and purpose of his life, Jesus Christ.
January 12, 2021
My hero growing up was Shaun Pollock (Peter Pollock is his father).
And when my dad told me there is a book about Peters life and that he owned it I knew I had to read it. Anybody that loves cricket from his era this is a must read.
And when my dad told me there is a book about Peters life and that he owned it I knew I had to read it. Anybody that loves cricket from his era this is a must read.
January 14, 2016
Good, but not great.
The autobiography of Peter Pollock, renowned South African fast bowler of the 1960s. From his days growing up, to his time playing cricket for South Africa, to retirement from playing, then, later, national selector. Not just about cricket, as Pollock, subsequent to his playing days, became a Christian. So, from a point it is also a book about faith and God's power.
Illuminating in many ways - the stories from his playing past and other cricketing anecdotes. The Christian side is a good read and the better of the two aspects to the book. The cricket side often comes across as quite dry (and I'm a cricket fan) while the Christian side is far more emotive.
Not that well written though. Did nobody proofread the book before it was published? Several grammatical and spelling errors, and even cricketing errors (eg referring to a One Day "Test" when such a thing does not exist).
His way of writing is also too loose. For example, he refers to people by first names when he hasn't introduced them yet, figuring that you'll know who he is referring to (as they are cricketers). He also refers to incidents but doesn't mention what happened in the incident, figuring the reader will know what he is referring to, and then comments on it.
This all tends to create a vagueness to his writing.
This said, it is worth a read, to know the history of one of cricket's great fast bowlers, and for a well-explained detailing of his Christian beliefs.
The autobiography of Peter Pollock, renowned South African fast bowler of the 1960s. From his days growing up, to his time playing cricket for South Africa, to retirement from playing, then, later, national selector. Not just about cricket, as Pollock, subsequent to his playing days, became a Christian. So, from a point it is also a book about faith and God's power.
Illuminating in many ways - the stories from his playing past and other cricketing anecdotes. The Christian side is a good read and the better of the two aspects to the book. The cricket side often comes across as quite dry (and I'm a cricket fan) while the Christian side is far more emotive.
Not that well written though. Did nobody proofread the book before it was published? Several grammatical and spelling errors, and even cricketing errors (eg referring to a One Day "Test" when such a thing does not exist).
His way of writing is also too loose. For example, he refers to people by first names when he hasn't introduced them yet, figuring that you'll know who he is referring to (as they are cricketers). He also refers to incidents but doesn't mention what happened in the incident, figuring the reader will know what he is referring to, and then comments on it.
This all tends to create a vagueness to his writing.
This said, it is worth a read, to know the history of one of cricket's great fast bowlers, and for a well-explained detailing of his Christian beliefs.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews