Grass Roots by John Trueman (published by Melrose Books)

Normally, Hey Portugal focuses on books about aspects of Portugal but this time we couldn’t resist this excellent book by John Trueman. John lives in central Portugal and we first came across him when he made some critical comments about our magazine grammar. This was taken in good humour and without us realising that John had a book about to be published. Now would be the chance to get our own back....but we have nothing to criticise.

The book is all about a Sunday League football team during a season of matches with each weekly match dictating the timeline through the story. Before those of you that don’t like football start tuning out, please wait. This is a well crafted book and goes well beyond the football matches and develops the main characters both on and off the pitch, where personal relationships overlap with the football.

If you have ever been a regular at your local pub or have a family member or friend who frequents the local hostelry or takes place in any of the pub teams, whether football, pool, darts or dominoes then this is a great read. If you are an observer of life or just like a great laugh then pick this up and enjoy.

Be warned however, picking this book up may mean that you don’t put it down again for several hours, or days. Also be aware that the language in many places is colourful and common but also necessary to put across the personalities of the characters.

Hey Portugal talked to the author, John, and he explained that this had taken many years in coming to print and was based on his real life experiences. If you happen to recognise a character in this book, then perhaps they have been an influence or maybe this just happens to reflect the real lives of those that base their weekends around the local pub and Sunday League football. It is more appealing to men rather than women, but for anyone who has even spent the weekend watching a local pub football team playing, it is a must-read.

I have had to put my copy on a top shelf as my 10-year-old keeps picking it up and giggling at the down to earth humour.

I have to admit that I wasn’t the first to read my copy of this great book. My friend grabbed hold of it as soon as he saw it and in response I asked him to write me a review. The review was only about 50 words but started “Excellent, Excellent, Excellent.....” and ended “...where can I buy a copy or three?”

Need we say more?

Click in the box below to buy a copy from Amazon. If you spend £25 or more with Amazon you can get free delivery to Portugal.