The Season
Archie Mac |Published: 2024
Pages: 188
Author: Garner, Helen
Publisher: The Text Publishing Company
Rating: 4 stars
Author Helen Garner, an Aussie Rules supporter, writer and grandmother, decides to become closer to her grandson by following his ‘colts’ footy team. Garner assumes a fly on the wall type role, so inconspicuous the players don’t even notice her at their training sessions.
Despite her invisibility and poor eyesight, Garner is acutely perceptive. Soon, you find yourself invested in the world of the colts’ footy team. The players, staff and all the parents come to life as Garner dissects their personalities. Garner also regularly self reflects. This self reflection can be on occasions raw, with Garner sometimes questioning, not just the reason she is writing this book, but also herself worth and value to her family.
Despite being a devoted Western Bulldogs supporter for over 30 years, Garner has not fully learned either the laws or the intricacies of the game. Rather than her lack of knowledge being a problem in her ability to analyse her grandson’s matches, it actually equates to some interesting passages. The footy aficionado will nod knowingly when Garner quotes someone with a deeper understanding of the game.
Garner’s relationship with her teenage grandson is relatable to most of us ‘oldies’. Apart from the generation gap, Garner is in a flux between letting him transition into an adult and helping him. This seems to happen mostly when her grandson is carrying an injury or struggling with life stressors. You can sense her conflicting emotions, but Garner appears to usually let her grandson be, unless he specifically confides in her.
The colt’s team that Garner is following, is not the best in the competition, but are definitely a contender and you can feel their improvement as the season progresses. Garner’s grandson too, appears to be on the improve, and while not the best player in the team, he is certainly in the top few. The descriptions of the team will resonate with most footy people. The player suspended for a lack of discipline, having to apologise to his team; one player flying back from Darwin to Melbourne to play in the finals; the fathers’ coming up with a game plan, without consulting the coach; these are all typical events that all those involved in local footy will relate to. I hope I am not giving too much away when I tell you that the colts make the grand final. I won’t spoil the ending.
This is a fine read, which anyone involved with a local team will be able to relate to. I have read a few of these type of books, however The Season, is elevated above the vast majority due to the quality writing of Garner. Her observations about life and relationships will be relatable to all parents/grandparents of teenagers. The Season is strongly recommended.
Leave a comment