Overview of "Chappelli: Life, Larrikins & Cricket"

Author: Ian Chappell Publication: The book is a collection of stories that showcase the extraordinary life of Ian Chappell, an Australian cricketing legend.

Key Themes

1. Cricketing Career: The book delves into Chappell's experiences as a cricketer, including his time in World Series Cricket and his interactions with notable figures in the sport.
2. Personal Life: It explores his life beyond cricket, highlighting his values and the people who influenced him.
3. Labor and Life Values: The book emphasizes Chappell's strong labor and life values, which are reflected in his stories and interactions with others.

Plot Summary

The book is a memoir that covers various aspects of Ian Chappell's life. It includes stories about his cricketing career, his experiences with World Series Cricket, and his interactions with other notable cricketers like Doug Walters. The narrative also expands on Chappell's relationship with Kerry Packer, highlighting how Packer looked up to Chappell and valued his opinion highly.

Critical Reception

Positive Reception:

• Andrew Cattanach's Review: The book is praised for its candid commentary and the way it explores new territory beyond just cricket. Cattanach notes that Chappell remains the yardstick for cricketing stories and that this book could be his best yet. The review also highlights that the book is not just for fans of cricket but for anyone interested in the stories of a boy from Adelaide who has instilled valuable life lessons.

Critical Points:

• Candid Commentary: While the book is praised for its candid commentary, it is also noted that Chappell tends to downplay Kerry Packer's infatuation with him, which adds an interesting dynamic to the narrative.

Availability

The book is available on various platforms, including Apple Books and Booktopia, which is Australia’s No.1 Online Book Shop.

Conclusion

"Chappelli: Life, Larrikins & Cricket" is a comprehensive collection of stories that not only showcases Ian Chappell's extraordinary life in cricket but also delves into his personal values and experiences. The book has received positive reviews for its candid commentary and the way it explores new territory beyond just cricket. It is a must-read for fans of cricket and those interested in the life stories of a cricketing legend.