This Sporting Life (novel)

This Sporting Life is a 1960 novel by British author David Storey. It follows the life of Arthur Machin, a young, working-class man in a northern English industrial town who becomes a professional rugby league player.

The novel explores themes of class conflict, masculinity, violence, and the exploitation inherent in professional sport. Arthur, raw and powerful, achieves success on the rugby field, but struggles to navigate the complex social dynamics and emotional relationships off it. He forms a significant but ultimately tragic relationship with Margaret Hammond, a widowed woman, and their connection is marred by Arthur’s emotional immaturity and inability to express his feelings.

This Sporting Life offers a bleak and realistic portrayal of life in post-war industrial Britain. It depicts the physical demands and psychological pressures faced by working-class athletes, and critiques the commercialization of sport and its impact on individuals. The novel is known for its gritty realism, its unflinching depiction of violence, and its exploration of the human cost of pursuing success in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

The novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1963 film of the same name, directed by Lindsay Anderson and starring Richard Harris as Arthur Machin.