The Beautiful Game

About The Beautiful Game

Dive into the heart of football with Alan Gibbons' compelling novel, "The Beautiful Game." This powerful story intertwines fact and fiction, offering a heartfelt tribute to the sport while confronting its darker aspects. Readers follow Lennie, a young boy whose life revolves around football, much like his father and grandfather before him. However, when Lennie becomes involved with fans intent on causing trouble at a match, his family intervenes. His dad and grandad, having witnessed the devastating consequences of fan violence, official neglect, and racism in football, take Lennie on an eye-opening journey through the sport's tumultuous history.

Gibbons masterfully weaves in real-life football disasters and controversies, including a poignant honouring of the victims of Hillsborough, alongside celebrations of trailblazing black players. This passionate and timely book explores the highs and lows of our national obsession, making it a thought-provoking read for young football enthusiasts. It's particularly suitable for readers aged 9 and above, with a reading age of 8, offering an accessible yet impactful narrative about the true cost of fan behaviour and the enduring spirit of the game.

Key Details

• Author: Alan Gibbons
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke
• Format: Paperback, 72 pages
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• ISBN: 9781781126912

Order from BookClub.com.mt — Malta and Gozo's online bookstore.