Now and then I stumble across a great book. However, seldom do I find a highly entertaining first effort from an author that I simply can’t put the book down. In Arthur’s Ashes, I found such a book – written by Australian Elliot McGarva. The book centers around an eccentric old man (Arthur) who is sick and tired of Australia winning the Ashes against England every time the teams meet. Arthur is certain that his crazy idea to put together a rare group of men (they are all at least 7 foot tall !) will regain the Ashes.

Not all of the players have played cricket before let alone international cricket and the book follows the training, romance and drama surrounding his efforts. One thing I was impressed by was that you don’t have to love cricket to enjoy the book. A number of friends have bought the book who do not watch cricket and they loved it – each asking when Elliot would be writing his next book !!!