Greatness - by Keir Lowther (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"This is an accomplished, masterful novel that expertly captures the psychology of an athlete who has risen to heights most people will never know..." -- Kirkus Reviews

GREATNESS is a poetic and powerful portrait of a lonely athlete locked in battle with time, memory, and himself. At once intimate and epic, it offers a riveting glimpse into the twilight of a generational talent.

On the eve of his retirement, tennis legend King returns to Flushing Meadows for his final US Open. Surrounded by the roar of adoring crowds and the tight-knit team that has become his surrogate family, he sets his sights on one last, improbable run at glory. Aging, injured, and haunted by the past, King still knows, perhaps better than anyone, what it takes to win.

But off the court, a deeper reckoning awaits. Since the age of four, tennis has been his entire world-his parents' dream of greatness the only life he's ever known. Now, with his career nearing its end, King must confront old betrayals, fierce rivals, the weight of grief, and the stirrings of unexpected love. As his final match draws near, so too does the answer to the question he's never dared to ask:

What is the true cost of greatness?

Review Quotes

"This is an accomplished, masterful novel that expertly captures the psychology of an athlete who has risen to heights most people will never know..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"...an intriguing insight into that (tennis) world and how ultimately the greatest losses and challenges in our lives are often our biggest drivers for achieving greatness. The loss is sometimes the biggest win you can have." -- Nickie Deepak

"This is a philosophical, deeply-tender story about a life lived under the gaze of a crowd and the commitment it takes to get there. It's also one of the most sensual books ever written. From visions of a child in a Cape Town park hitting balls against the wall to Aphrodite to the physical game of tennis, this book is alive with vivid imagery that puts you right into the moment. It's intense, magical, and compelling." -- Nicci Attfield

"This is a compelling tale of a life dedicated to Tennis and a quietly powerful reflection on the sacrifices needed for success and the considerations for what will come after. " LoveReading UK