Another tennis novel!
Since her mother’s death when she was quite young, Carrie has not only been raised by her devoted father, but she’s been somewhat indoctrinated by him. From the time she could hold a tennis racket, she was on the courts, and her father, a tennis player in his own right, began to coach her. Between her own determination and her father’s encouragement, she was focused not only on playing well, but on playing the best… in the world. Years later, after having achieved this status once, when she sees an up-and-coming woman player threaten her legacy and she is determined, despite her now advanced age (for tennis), to defend her place in this world.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It has not been as well-received as many of Reid’s other novels, but I found it compelling. I think I was drawn to Carrie’s character because in spite of her singular, laser focus and drive, she is also frighteningly isolated and terrified of attachment. She has no patience for dishonesty – which alienates almost everyone she interacts with – yet she is deeply caring of and loyal to those she does love. She also lives the double standard between men and women in the public eye; that is, when a man isn’t pleasant or smiley, he is considered strong – but when a woman acts similarly, she is labeled a bitch.
One cannot help but love her father’s character as well. He is devoted, kind, and utterly faithful to Carrie – even when they experience their differences. It becomes apparent that although he is overcome with pride for his daughter, he also worries about her happiness. He has his hesitations and perhaps regrets about how far he’s driven her, but he nonetheless stays with her through whatever she chooses for herself.
While I am not one to watch sports on TV, I truly enjoyed the detailed accounts of Carrie’s various tennis matches. I found them to be engaging, even suspense-building. We are given a court-side seat, with a view into the mind and body of the pro athlete; the anxiety and physical strain from within as well as the leviathan pressure from without.
This novel is not for everyone; but if you have even a passing interest in sports (and of course, tennis in particular), you will likely find this a satisfying read. I certainly did.
kindread spirits 