Book review – Plum
Plum, a six-part TV series, begins on ABC TV on Sunday night. Set in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, it is based on the novel of the same name by Brendan Cowell (2021).
My interest in both the novel and the TV series was sparked after listening to a Brendan Cowell interview titled ‘The Venn diagram of footy, poetry and Andrew Johns’ on the excellent ABC Sport Daily podcast several weeks ago. (link below).
All of us who follow rugby league are aware of players from our teams who are suffering from head injuries ‘back in the day’. South Sydney: think Mario Fenech. ‘The Falcon’ gave his all in every game he played for the Bunnies (and for North Sydney, and the South Queensland Crushers) to the point where his other nick name was ‘Test Match’. Mario, like so many others, is now suffering.
Of course, CTE is not confined to rugby league. Other contact sports including the NFL and the AFL have issues to address in this area as well.
Cowell’s book is based around retired Cronulla Sharks legend Peter Lum.
As Cowell discusses in the podcast, the book explores masculinity and ‘the journey’. It is a book about relationships, both good and not so good, and the attempted repairing of some.
In footy retirement, Lum works for Qantas as well as doing some commentary during the season. Things change when Lum is involved in a work mishap. Initially in denial about his health, Lum eventually concedes that he needs help.
He has a son who is a ‘young gun’ player, a star in the Jersey Flegg competition, and a contract with the Melbourne Storm is on the table.
In the context of The Footy Almanac and writing, Peter Lum also starts to write.
I also must admit my lack of awareness around Brendan Cowell’s back catalogue, some of which will now form part of my reading and viewing list. He has also written How it Feels (2010). I do recall Cowell as Rod Marsh in Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War (2012), as well as his role as Allan Moffat in Brock (2016). Cowell also featured in the great Australian series The Slap (2011).
Brendan Cowell: actor, writer, producer (summary):
Brendan Cowell – IMDb
I will be very curious to see the adaption of Cowell’s book on the big screen. As well as likes of Asher Keddie and Matt Nable, the series features appearances from the likes of Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll, Andrew Johns, Paul Gallen and other rugby league identities.
Official Trailer:
Official Trailer | Plum | ABC iview (youtube.com)
In praise of Plum the book:
‘An exuberant Australian dialect bursting out … Plum is a winner’ – Malcolm Knox
‘Totally unpredictable, wholly adorable and bloody unforgettable’ – Parramatta fan Trent Dalton
‘Beautiful, original and affecting. I love this book’ – Asher Keddie
As the Pacific Championships swings into action, following the PM’s XIII match last Sunday, it is great to have Plum to look forward to this weekend!
BONUS:Brendan Cowell on the Venn diagram of footy, poetry and Andrew Johns – ABC listen
Barossa Red Wine of the Week:
Tim Smith Bugalugs 2023 Barossa Shiraz
A bottle purchased last Sunday as part of the Vine Vale winemakers’ 8th annual Shed afternoon – for winemakers without cellar doors. ‘Six sheds, one road’ was the slogan. A great time was had by all!
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia. His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the South Sydney captain. Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
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About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country. He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters. Twitter: @Russel_Hansen
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Should be well worth a look, Rabbit!