England’s Messiah by Martin Saunders – Book Review

England’s Messiah by Martin Saunders – A Book Review

“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

(Bill Shankly, Liverpool Manager 1959-1974)

This is a Christian novel for anyone who loves football, although it is probably best suited for 15-18 year olds. Having said that it was a book I really enjoyed. It’s a fairly easy read and follows the progress of the two main characters in a way that draws you in. By the end of the book you really feel that you are sharing in their lives. Harry Foster is a bitter and cynical football reporter whose own career as a player was cut short by injury. He has all but lost faith in football until he sees a young man, John Christie, playing football at the local park. Thanks to his intervention John’s life changes forever. The rest of the book follows his rise to prominence and the trials and tribulations that come with that rise. This book is designed simply to entertain, however the behaviour of John Christie, a devout Christian, draws parallels with the life of Jesus and offers us insight in how we can behave at work and in the world in a way that is different and that makes a difference.

- This review was written by Hamish.