Book Review: In Syd's Voice: The Extraordinary Life of Dave Lawrence by Dean Wilson

This is indeed the extraordinary recounting of an extraordinary life. 

A man whose family was part of the Windrush generation, who became a highly regarded county cricketer and might have done the same at international level. Yet the snapped kneecap sustained against New Zealand in 1992 forced his subsequent retirement from the game at the age of 29, despite three attempted comebacks.

He later ran a restaurant business and then a night club and in his forties and fifties, became involved in bodybuilding and enjoyed considerable success at that too.

All of his well-lived life is admirably documented by Dean Wilson and the book is well served by an exemplary collection of photographs. 

For those who never saw 'Syd' in his prime, he was an awesome sight, often partnering Courtney Walsh for Gloucestershire in a very fast attack. The photograph of him lying on the turf at Basin Reserve in Wellington brings back the news clips vividly and it speaks volumes for his character that he was able to even make attempts at coming back as he did. 

Yet that sadness is nothing compared to the account of his battle with motor neurone disease. It would take a hardened soul not to shed a tear at the challenges that this brave and outstanding man has faced. I wasn't strong enough, I will admit to that.

This isn't an easy read - how can it be, given the subject matter, including racism within the county game? But it is a book that will live long in the memory of those who read it.

None of us know what the future has in store and this book is testimony to that. But David Lawrence comes out of it as a man of decency, integrity and bravery.

We can surely all aspire to that.

In Syd's Voice: the Extraordinary Life of Dave Lawrence is written by Dean Wilson and published by Fairfield Books

Postscript: I had just published this piece when the news broke of David's passing.

Rest in Peace, David Lawrence. Fine cricketer, fine man