If I had to choose between my wife and my putter... well, I’d miss her.
I’m still standing
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Fabrice Muamba, Liverpool, Sports Media, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-908695-40-6
This is a very moving book, the account of how Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur, was “dead” for 78 minutes and then made a full recovery.
The style of the book is a bit unusual with the account of the events of 17 March 2012 interspersed with flashbacks to when he grew up in Congo, came to England, signed for Arsenal, moved to Bolton.
The book is written as Fabrice’s story with detailed accounts of what was happening at each stage as if Fabrice was telling it – but he was unconscious and the co-writer was also not present. At times one is left wondering how such a detailed account of what each doctor said during the resuscitation process could be written when Fabrice was unconscious, the writer was not present and – presumably – the doctors were too busy to take notes.
Fabrice is not shy in acknowledging his faith in God. “First and foremost I’d like to thank God for giving me health, happiness and family and for also making sure I received the specialist care I needed to save my life” is but one of many such references.
He states: “I am a Christian so I need to represent Christ”. At times he is almost preaching “remember God loves you and he will never leave you even in times of trouble...my faith in God gives me inner peace, I serve him and he’s the person who can provide all my needs and wishes. I pray to a God who will never change; he will always be powerful, awesome and guide to my life. He is the driver of my car - I’m just the passenger”.
Prayer clearly plays a bit part in his life and there are references to his prayers, prayers of and with his father and with his wife, Shauna. Many of his prayers are for him and his team to play well and prosper. The role of prayer in his recovery and the effect of the hast tag #prayformuamba are referred to.
The role of the Bolton Wanderers chaplain, Phil Mason, is portrayed very positively
On the other hand, there are at least a dozen “Oh my God”s, which may make the UK Christian reader a little uncomfortable. Similarly the matter of fact description of living with Shauna and having a child without being married – until after “the incident”.
Overall a gripping and very readable book.