rogerb's review
4.0
I saw this on a pile in Bill's house, and borrowed it.
Osborne retells an old story in the light of new archive material and a number of personal interviews. The account of the youngster of extraordinary talent and his rocky road into 1st Class English cricket is illuminating; then the second half of his handling by the selectors and "establishment", with the Vorster shenanigans, is fascinating, and not very many of the English involved come out of it smelling of roses (Arlott a notable exception). Dolly's evolution into an avuncular ex-cricketer also make interesting reading - it seems he was a man of principle and integrity throughout.
Sports biographies can often be thin - this one wasn't. It's good to see generation of the name appearing in 1st Class lists.
Osborne retells an old story in the light of new archive material and a number of personal interviews. The account of the youngster of extraordinary talent and his rocky road into 1st Class English cricket is illuminating; then the second half of his handling by the selectors and "establishment", with the Vorster shenanigans, is fascinating, and not very many of the English involved come out of it smelling of roses (Arlott a notable exception). Dolly's evolution into an avuncular ex-cricketer also make interesting reading - it seems he was a man of principle and integrity throughout.
Sports biographies can often be thin - this one wasn't. It's good to see generation of the name appearing in 1st Class lists.
peterdray's review against another edition
5.0
Basil D'Oliveira was a mixed race cricketer treated dreadfully in apartheid South Africa, and whose remarkable career in Britain eventually led him to being picked for England. This book focuses mainly on what D'Oliveira is known for best - the protacted saga over whether he would be able to tour South Africa with England, a course of events that would have been severely embarrassing for the apartheid government there. Sadly it seems that in Britain too, a commitment to racial equality was only embraced by the governing bodies whilst it was fairly cost free to those holding it.
A poignant read for the current cultural moment, this book also demonstrates how often BAME are forced into being public spokespeople around issues of race and ethnicity merely because of the colour of their skin.
A poignant read for the current cultural moment, this book also demonstrates how often BAME are forced into being public spokespeople around issues of race and ethnicity merely because of the colour of their skin.
venkyloquist's review
4.0
An endearing and emotional account of one of the greatest cricketers who was never given his due on account of racial discrimination, recriminations and irrationality. His bonding with the immortal John Arlott makes for some blissful reading and reinforces the faith in humanity. Dolly will be well remembered!
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