Willowman

 Willowman

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       January 2, 2023

 

Author  Inga Simpson.

Distributor:      Hachette Australia
ISBN:                 9780733634550
Publisher:         Hachette. Imprint Hachette Australia.
Release Date:   October 2022  

   Website:   https://www.hachette.com.au

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At this time of the year cricket takes over the lives of many Australians; they are preoccupied with one or more forms of the highly regarded national game of cricket. However, you don’t need to be a cricket tragic to enjoy prize-winning Australian author, Inga Simpson’s beautifully crafted book Willow Man, which she states was inspired by the life of Phil Hughes. His life was cut short when he was struck by a bouncer on the side of his head, below the helmet.

Whilst cricket is a central theme, this is a heartfelt story about ordinary Australians who are connected by their devotion to cricket. Passionate cricket enthusiast Allan Reader, whose family has been making cricket bats for generations in England, makes bats in Victoria, Australia, from the white willow, which he grows. After watching a promising young Queensland cricketer batting in the Under 19 completion, he is immediately inspired to craft a bat for this gifted cricketer. When Todd Harrow received the bat there was an immediate connection between bat and player.

This wonderfully entwined story of cricket, bat making, relationships and music, not only follows the ups and downs of the rising star, Todd Harrow, but also what Alan Reed’s passion for cricket cost him in terms of his finances and relationship with his family. Readers will also appreciate the author’s incorporation of the side story of Todd’s talented cricketing sister Liv and the gradual rise and depth of Women’s Cricket.

Older readers, who have followed the game for many years will appreciate the author’s extensive research and the fascinating details about white willow, bat making and cricket.

A highly recommended read for this summer; Willow Man is not a quick read but definitely one worth investing a few days.

Fiction