Dennis is brutally honest, open and frank in this memoir. The big themes of family relationships, sense of spirituality and refusal to see himself as a victim are interweaved in the story and all told with great humour.
The importance of male mentors to advance a boy into manhood can be observed as the story unfolds. Through their guiding hands and leadership wisdom is gained.
Courage was gained in the craft of cricket taught to him under the tutelage of Uncle Ted who played one game for an Australian team against Jardine’s bodyline side of 1932/33. As an opening batsman Uncle Ted taught him to respect but fervently dislike fast bowlers.
His father and Aunt Joy worked for ASIO* and he called Ron Richards, the key player in the Petrov Affair, Uncle Ron. He was a bigger than life character that would refer to the young Dennis as ‘the man that mastered Huntingdale.’
The transitions between each phase of his growth are marked with dramatic events, namely abandonment by his mother, reunion with his mother, debilitating stroke of his wife and death of his best friend in dramatic circumstances.
In the end love wins through. It is first learnt within the family and then spreads outward. That is the legacy that needs to be carried forward.
