Review: Cricketer Kevin Pietersen tells his side
Much has been written about England cricketer Kevin Pietersen. In KP The Autobiography he offers his side of the stories.
There is a proverb that says: “The first one to tell his case seems right. Then someone else comes forward and questions him.”
English cricketer Kevin Pietersen’s book, KP The Autobiography, (Little Brown Publishing, Whitcoulls, $27.99) illustrates that principle.
Stories have been written about Pietersen. He is portrayed as a troublemaker. In this book, published in late 2014, he offers his side of the stories that the media and the English Cricket Board told.
It is a cricket book, and yet the actual details of matches are fewer than might be expected. He says in the final chapter: “There should be more cricket in these pages, but there was a story that had to be told.”
It is less a biography than a shedding of light. Pietersen does talk about his journey, from growing up in South Africa to playing Test cricket for England, but the main focus is his dealings with the people and processes of English cricket.
He tells of conversations and confrontations in a different light. He discusses the problems and issues in the England cricket team and at board level.
The book is not written entirely chronologically, which was at times a little confusing. It took a bit of thought and glancing back through the pages to understand at what point some events occurred.
Despite the sometimes serious and sad tone of the narrative, he often uses wry humour in his storytelling. It helps lighten the mood of the book. One example is his story of former captain Andrew Strauss, who on retirement handwrote letters to members of the team, but only texted Pietersen. The book says:
“The way Straussy told it, you could picture him in his cabin late in the evening, sitting beside his oil lamp scratching his quill on piece after piece of parchment. A wise old man hoping that he would get all his wisdom written down before the lamp failed or his health went.”
It is an interesting book, made more so by knowledge of the characters involved. For those somewhat aware of the situation it makes an intriguing read. For those less aware of the circumstances it may not be as fascinating, but it is still a glimpse into the mind of an international sportsman.
