This novel by Helen Yeomans is a story of an amateur golfer from Nepal playing in the Masters. It is one of the best sports fiction stories I have ever read - and I have read quite a few good ones. Here is my review of "Ang Tak' - translation: "Little Tiger" (and no, that has nothing to do with Tiger Woods).
Title/Author:
“Ang Tak” by Helen
Yeomans
Tags:
Golf, fiction, Masters,
Nepal, amateur
Publish date:
March 1, 2012
Length:
352 pages
Rating:
5 of 5 stars
(outstanding)
Review:
Imagine being an
amateur golfer living a dream by playing in one of the most prestigious
tournaments in golf, the Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Also imagine that you have a dark secret that
no one else knows and this happened in your native country of Nepal.
That is the brief
background of Tony Pinasa, the protagonist in Helen Yeomans’ outstanding novel
of golf, loss, sportsmanship and character all wrapped up in the setting of the
Augusta National course. While Tony is
the main character the story follows, many parts are also told through the
viewpoint of Tony’s caddie Kat, who also has to deal with a loss of her own.
The story is richly
written with beautiful descriptions of the course and the interactions between
Kat and Tony on many shots. For casual fans who may think the caddies are just
there to carry the golfer’s bag, rake the bunkers and wipe off the clubs after
each shot, Kat’s description of what she has to do between shots and also
before and after each round will be a wake-up call. The thinking that goes into each shot – what club
to use, how the grass and greens are playing, the wind, how big a swing the
golfer should take – they are all part of the dialogue between Tony and Kat and
will keep a golf fan or player glued to the book.
The unique atmosphere and
experience of the Masters is described, right down to the pimento cheese
sandwiches that Kat gathers for herself and Tony during the rounds. Amen Corner, Rae’s Creek, the approach to the
eighteenth green – all are captured in a manner that television coverage alone
doesn’t do.
Tony’s heritage is not forgotten and is a key element in the story as well. There are flashbacks to his life in Nepal and there are scenes from the American Embassy where national officials are watching to see if the native son can pull off the feat of being the first amateur to win the prestigious tournament. There is a secret from his days back home, however, and it explains some of Tony’s temper. Even how this is revealed, during the press conference after the Saturday round, was a terrific twist in the story and another highlight that makes this novel one of the better sports fiction pieces that I have read.
Whether a reader wants
to pick this up for the golf, for the characters or just for an inspiring
story, this book will certainly fit that need.
It is one that any reader who enjoys fictional sports stories should
read.
I wish to thank Ms. Yeomans for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Book Format Read:
E-book (PDF)
Buying links:
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