A Kiwi Legend

- Blurb -

In this hilarious and action-packed tale about a mythical sporting legend of the recent past, debut novelist Mark Wilson also provides a marvellous parody of New Zealand life. A book to entertain, shock and surprise, and a must-read for all those who want to laugh about the idiosyncrasies of our country, the people in it, and the way the world'sees us. Tom Shearer's simple life as a Taranaki farm-boy changes forever when his prodigious size and talent for rugby earn him a scholarship to one of New Zealand's top schools. But as Tom continues to excel on the rugby field, he'struggles to overcome a severely limiting self-belief - that he is stupid. With help from a dedicated friend and mentor, Tom begins what is to be an epic journey. From the grass roots of New Zealand rugby to the'showpiece events of three different international sports, from the bottom of his class to one of the highest academic honours possible, and from the most disgusting student flat in Dunedin to some of the world's most exotic locations, his life is a series of extremes. While Tom experiences both the agony and the ecstasy of sport, his life off the field is filled with equally varying emotions. But as he'struggles with life's ups and downs, Tom continues to represent his country and strives to achieve the ultimate glory That'so cruelly eludes him. In doing so he rewrites the history books, enthrals a nation and assumes his deserved place as a Kiwi legend.