PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
***********
NATIONAL
It’s 1986 and apartheid South Africa is banned from global sporting events.
*************
PRAISE FOR NATIONAL:
Christopher Lai has written a novel that successfully combines historical fiction, political drama, romance, and sport without allowing any single element to dominate the story.
What begins as an unexpected meeting between two strangers gradually evolves into a broader exploration of race, identity, conscience, and the choices people make when history imposes impossible demands upon them.
Even readers who are not football enthusiasts should find themselves invested in the characters because National ultimately asks universal questions about justice, courage, and what it truly means to stand for one’s beliefs.
It is an ambitious novel that rewards thoughtful readers with rich characters, meaningful conversations, and a story that lingers well after the final page.
BookPost Rating
4.8/5
Pros
- Outstanding historical atmosphere
- Memorable protagonists
- Intelligent exploration of apartheid and sport
- Emotionally engaging
- Original premise
Cons
- Dense political themes may slow the pace for some readers
- Large cast requires attention
Recommendation
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that combines compelling storytelling with meaningful social and political themes. It succeeds both as an engaging novel and as a thought-provoking exploration of one of history’s most complex periods.
*************
ABOUT NATIONAL:
Chanelle Va der Merwe, the daughter of a wealthy South African banker must convince footballer and Jamaican National icon, Patrick Anderson, to take part in the international football competition South Africa is hosting.
In a bid to save her father’s company Chanelle offers Patrick the deal of a lifetime if he agrees to put together and captain a Caribbean team.
Patrick, who has not forgotten the fate of the blacklisted cricketers who took part in the 1983 Rebel Tour to South Africa, refuses the offer. Plus, unlike the cricketers, he will not compromise his integrity to become an ‘Honorary white’.
Despite a rocky start, a friendship develops between them when Patrick, in order to help fund medical care for his gravely ill godson, must choose between nationhood and friendship; play football in apartheid South Africa or allow the boy to die.
He realizes that life is not black and white — including any future with Chanelle — and begins to understand that at times some deals are brokered out of great pain, and that love can have a fighting chance even if it’s forbidden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thanks for stopping.
ReplyDelete