Title: Mastering the Craft, Ten Years of Weekes 1948-1958
Author: Sir Everton Weekes with Hilary Beckles
Publisher: Universities of the Caribbean Press
Reviewer: Jenni Campbell

Everton Weekes' autobiography describes a community of characters that is familiar. It is a Barbados in the 19th century that was well representative of any other West Indian island, with familiar, colourful personality types and events. His mother and aunty, a picture of dignity and respectability, even in their inner-city backyards. It is from the very backyard settings that a young Weekes emerges.

A small framed boy, inching up to the wicket and marking his crease, braving the unknown despite the threats of a bouncer or a fast ball.

Young Weekes had attitude, a positive one and aptitude and together this was all he needed to excel - a perfect fit for the protagonist in the almost rags to riches story. Weekes did not begin as an outstanding talent, but he aspired and it was that aspiration which took on wings. As he grew with the game, lessons from cricket became lessons for life.

Opportunities

The early years signify educational opportunities , discipline and the struggle against poverty. Weekes is fascinated by the large cricket ground (Queen's Park Oval) in his neighbourhood and the outstanding players who trek there from time to time.

This fascination fuelled his aspiration.

Weekes developed a healthy respect for God, and this carried him through many tough times, at home, school and at the wicket. He spent his early years without the presence of his father, who had migrated to Trinidad to work. Although absent, the elder Weekes' presence loomed large as he continued to provide for his family. It was not until Everton was 19 years old that he got to spend time with his dad.

There are several themes in this autobiography, one such is the family's will to overcome poverty, dealing with issues across class lines and boundaries. Not unlike the game, the challenges of growing up ran apace with the challenges of the pitch. Weekes' child's play at cricket prepared him well for the bigger games to come. Although surprising to him, it was a realistic development in Weekes' life story when he was named to the national team and his primary school headmaster Joe Clarke sent him a letter of congratulations. The sense and size of Weekes' community expanded with him and his game.

Cricket, like a brand-new luxury vehicle transported him to the school playground, through community interactions, moved him into the limelight in the city, cruised him through the region and on to global professional fields. There were many bumps in the road, race and class struggles and youthful uncertainties. But unabashed and unbeaten, Weekes, young and full of promise, was mentally ready for his game.

Cricket, as a central theme becomes the home ground for the West Indians, a place where young boys aspire and a meeting place of the islands. It is also a place where poverty meets the elite, where classes converge around a ball game. Where skill and mastery overcame prejudices. Where names like George Headley and Everton Weekes became synonymous with a spirit of excellence. Where triumphs reigned supreme over trials.

Weekes' tale is the story of West Indies cricket from the inside out. As the young boy grew up, so did his skill and the cricket, and his interaction with other players of his time sheds new light on well-known personalities such as Walcott, Worrell, Valentine, Goddard and Gomez.

There were many disappointments, especially those involving the relationship between the West Indies Cricket Board and the players.

'The board was in the hands of the rich and the powerful in the region and saw players such as myself in a way that estate owners saw field hands. We were called to work, received a stipend on which we could live, given a uniform that made us look the part, and when the job was done, we were sent packing until required for the next year's crop." (P.128)

Having achieved greatness, the challenges of life takes on new meaning as neither Weekes or his colleagues knew how to manage new-found fame and fortune. But the lessons they had learnt as young boys provided enough sustenance for them to brave the battles.

Applauded

Former Prime Minister Owen Arthur applauds the great man in the foreword.

"But there was about Weekes always something that was bigger and greater than his extraordinary skills as a player. He was of Bridgetown poor, seeking a place for himself and those of his class in a society that was limited in the opportunities it offered and socially rigid in the way in which those opportunities were created and extended."

Hilary Beckles, in celebrating Weekes' achievements in the preface underscores, "His story is the quintessential tale of the Barbadian/West Indian journey from inner-city poverty to global excellence."

Weekes writing style is brisk, like the run-up of a seasoned fast bowler. Mastering the Craft is an easy and enjoyable read. This should serve as an excellent motivational tool for young inner-city boys who are seeking to aspire.