Customer Reviews

Caveman Politics: A novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read the first few chapters of this book. Just like his other books they take a little bit to get into but after that you are completely taken in. If you haven't read Legends of Winter Hill, GET IT!!!!!!!

This book has it all -- down and dirty lowlife scum (and that's just the rugby players) and a fast-paced plot with all sorts of brutality, intrigue, love, sex, Elvis, you name it. Carl Hiassen and James Hall are the big-name Florida thriller writers -- and Caveman Politics is in that league.

I picked-up this book nearly two years ago at a book fair and forgot about it. I found it in my cellar last week, and finally got around to reading it. Had I known how well written it was, I would have treated it more carefully....

As a former journalist, and someone who has played a little rugby, this novel sprang to life for me. As soon as I put it down, I logged on to see if J. Atkinson has had anything else published. I hope we won't have to wait too long for his next work.

I stumbled upon this book while searching for something to bide my time on a flight and was pleasantly suprised. Though the central storyline of the novel was more or less predictable, it was the peripheral action that I enjoyed. The banter between Joe Dolan and his buddy Surfer led me back to my collegiate days and the unforgettable talks about absolutey nothing. The accounts of the action on the rugby pitch would make any participants of the gentleman's game nod their heads with a knowing grin. Obviously I am not a polished reviewer of popular fiction, but I feel that I represent a large number of readers that really enjoy hanging out in the backyard with a good book and a few beers. "Caveman Politics" is perfect for that very situation.

Jay Atkinson is a gem in the rough, a writer who has penned a book which uses sport to uncover and illuminate the human condition. The story of Joe Dolan's brush with salvation is our story... as we hurl ourselves through the confusion of life. If this talented storyteller doesn't shake up the literary world for years to come, then publishing really has gone over to the dark side.

Caveman Politics is fine first novel. Though, I'm sure, many more accomplished novelists would be proud to lay claim to a work like this. Atkinson's roots reach down deep to the heart of the realist tradition. His prose is taught, his characters memorable, and the drawing of rugby as a metaphor for both race relations and the brutality - or the eternal "scrum" - of life is brilliantly executed. Good show.

I really enjoyed this book! Quite humorous -- I often found myself chuckling at author Jay Atkinson's witty dialogue and comic situations (the back-seat-of-the-car scene is a scream) -- this book is nonetheless serious and poignant, thoughtful and thought-provoking, examining issues of racism, sex, loss, and "aloneness" with remarkable honesty and insight. It also offers women a rare look into the single, twenty-something male psyche as it relates (or attempts not to relate) to romance and commitment...the somewhat knuckle-dragging, Neanderthal views of protagonist Joe Dolan and his rugby-playing cronies may initially be a bit of a put-off to us women, but stick with it, it does get better.

This book captures the essence of Rugby in America while also dealing with the more serious issues of racism and relationships between men and women. The characters are funny and very real with the exception of an Elvis look-a-like who isn't aware of his startling resemblance to the King. It's very entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Though this is definitely a sports/guy book, women should read it to see why we're such cavemen--in case they didn't know. I enjoyed the book very much, especially the humor

You would think that a little rugby action could tighten the pace of weak rape/race plot,but it didn't. Maybe because there was so little rugby involved. Deep South Rugby is an interesting thing but this author missed all the key points. Where were the songs, where was the terminology, the jokes, the differences between pack and backs. I doubt if Jay Atkinson has ever done more than watch on occasional match. This novel is best avoided.