The Season
Brilliant new non-fiction from the author of This House of Grief, Monkey Grip, and The Children's Bach
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4.3 • 55 Ratings
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
It’s footy season in Melbourne, and Helen Garner is following her grandson’s under-16s team. She not only goes to every game (give or take), but to every training session too, shivering on the sidelines at dusk, fascinated by the spectacle.
She’s a passionate Western Bulldogs fan (with an imperfect grasp of the rules) who loves the epic theatre of AFL football. But her devotion to the under-16s offers her something else. This is her chance to connect with her youngest grandchild, to be close to him before he rushes headlong into manhood. To witness his triumphs and defeats, to fear for his safety in battle, to gasp and to cheer for his team as it fights for a place in the finals.
With her sharp eye, her generous wit and her warm humour, Garner documents this pivotal moment, both as part of the story and as silent witness. The Season is an unexpected and exuberant book: a celebration of the nobility, grace and grit of team spirit, a reflection on the nature of masculinity, and a tribute to the game’s power to thrill us.
Helen Garner writes novels, stories, screenplays and works of non-fiction. In 2006 she received the inaugural Melbourne Prize for Literature, and in 2016 she won the prestigious Windham–Campbell Prize for non-fiction. She was honoured with the Australia Council Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature in 2019. And in 2023 she was awarded the ASA Medal for her outstanding contribution to Australian literature. Her works include Monkey Grip, The Children’s Bach, The First Stone, Joe Cinque’s Consolation, The Spare Room, This House of Grief and three volumes of her diaries. She lives in Melbourne.
‘One of Australia's foremost authors, admired by writers as different as Raymond Carver and Elizabeth Jolley.’ Independent
'There are very few writers that I admire more than Helen Garner.’ David Nicholls
‘Not long ago I read Helen Garner for the first time and was so stunned that I wanted to run around the block; how strange, how wonderful, that a book can still make me feel that way.’ Rumaan Alam
Customer Reviews
A story of youth, growth and community
Touching memoir of a grandmother’s love for her grandson as he progresses though his football season. A story of youth, growth and community and a worthy addition to the footy oeuvre.
Males and football (by a woman)
It didn’t make me like football but maybe now I understand better why boys love to play it. Memorable writing. I want to give it to every grandma whose grandson plays football.
Modern Day Gladiators
I could never call myself a footie fan, certainly not AFL although I feel the real football ( soccer) is quite a good game however Helen’s approach certainly makes this gladiator sport human and somewhat appealing.
Football is essentially a thuggish man’s sport therefore not very appealing to women. If one followed a particular team one could easily get caught up in the competitiveness of it.
We are only now learning about the long term effects which are not pretty.
I enjoyed the read because I enjoy all Helen’s books.