Racket Boy – An autobiography by Philip George

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Racket Boy is a three-part journey of my life spanning18 years in Malaya, a child of its thriving rubber plantations; 43 years in England qualifying as a Registered Mental Nurse, working and playing badminton for a bank, then becoming a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales; and now 9 years in Italy, a happy retiree refusing to be inert.

It is crammed with gate-crashing, coat-tailing and lampooning: ordered by the British government to leave the country, accosted in Bombay, mugged in Barcelona, horse-trading with a petro giant over a kidnap gone wrong to thrilling in a World Cup in military-ruled Argentina

  • Do you marvel at people who seemingly have it all only to drop everything for a remote life?
  • Have you wondered about leaving your roots for migration to the unknown?
  • Are you game for both rugged and glamorous travelling?
  • What about being in the thick of historical events spanning decades?
  • Have you been hampered by insecurities or fears of not fitting in or not being good enough?
  • Can you cope with bad decision-making and trying to recover?
  • Are you the sort that roots for the underdog?
  • Can you handle living life at breakneck speed?

Who Is This Book For?

Based on Racket Boy’s themes of migration, belonging, adventure and knowledge-building; and the fact it is set in two continents covering two eras, various cultures and several portfolios (sports/law/mentoring of young), this book will be attractive to anyone with a curious mind.

Reviews from happy readers

Ray Haslam
Ray Haslam
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Full of excitement and uncertainties along the way. Foreshadows your later visit to South America on business whilst we have known you. Also, I had no idea that you had been to Israel. It's all keeping up a breathless pace with a little calming (beginning and end) with the Morecambe library. Very topical with your references to fishing and Brexit so hopefully the book will not be too long before it is published.
Anna Wilkins
Anna Wilkins
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I’m already enthralled. And only read two pages! This is something completely new to me. I know nothing of Malaya, independence, rubber etc. Descriptions of the estate is brilliant, it projects you into another world. I’m picturing it so well. Makes me want to keep reading more.
Kate Bottomley
Kate Bottomley
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Phil, it breaks my heart. I’ve been thinking about your book and struggling what to say as it blew me away. It encompasses the following and more… love, passion, duty, family, loyalty, duty, sorrow, loss, success, rejection, failure, determination, desire, and a whole range of emotions plus peace at the end which makes it such a compelling read. Adding in the historical elements along the way registers with the older reader and someone more current. I loved reading it. I knew you but didn’t really know you until I read it. I feel very privileged to know you.
Kevin Catterall
Kevin Catterall
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As a cricket fanatic, I particularly enjoyed the tale of the “tie fire” at Old Trafford. I know from experience the soporific qualities of enjoying a match plied with good food and drink! So far, I am amazed at what an interesting and fulfilling life you’ve had. The story should be told, and I for one will be an eager purchaser of the book when it is published.
Jaon Baker
Jaon Baker
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The racket boy book is such a brilliant read ,you think you know someone ,but you do not until you know their life story , Philip has always been the same ,when ever you met, you would be greeting with a smile.
Linda Byron
Linda Byron
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It’s a life lead with great courage & excitement & yes hope , amazing how your sport has helped you meet people everywhere u go , u have great courage tho ! Reading your book makes me want to get up & go ! I think it will give hope to many people I just love your story & the way it has been written so encouraging !
Thomas Jones
Thomas Jones
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RB tells us his truth - He is a one-off and his memoir reads as such. He has opted to remember because he wants to be the one who does.
John Rik
John Rik
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RB lives by these words – when you don't do anything, you start doubting and feeling scared. But when you take action, you become more confident and brave. RB doesn't just talk; he actually does things, getting out there and making stuff happen. Instead of sitting and worrying, he goes out and faces his fears, step by step. His journey shows that by doing things and being brave, you can overcome challenges and get to the next base.
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