Caveman Politics Paperback – October 1, 2002

You would think that a little rugby action could tighten the pace of weak rape/race plot,but it didn't. Maybe because there was so little rugby involved. Deep South Rugby is an interesting thing but this author missed all the key points. Where were the songs, where was the terminology, the jokes, the differences between pack and backs. I doubt if Jay Atkinson has ever done more than watch on occasional match. This novel is best avoided.

Rugby players who read might enjoy this book. Plots that interweave with rugby a playing reporter make it interesting.One noticeable hole in the plot (who really dunnit) not significant to the overall story.

I have read the first few chapters of this book. Just like his other books they take a little bit to get into but after that you are completely taken in. If you haven't read Legends of Winter Hill, GET IT!!!!!!!

This book is a great summer read, or just if you want a good story. It has a bit of rugby mixed in there for the ruggers, but it is not a book on rugby. It's a story of a broken system, good ol' boy politics in the South, some detective work, and a lot of intresting characters . There are a number of minor stories within the main story, and that keeps things interesting and moving along. As a rugger I loved that rugby was mixed in as a big part of the story but I loved the different twists of this "who done it". The author doesn't shy away from some topics that people now days ingnore. By the way, I think this would make a great movie. Cheers.

Jay Atkinson is a gem in the rough, a writer who has penned a book which uses sport to uncover and illuminate the human condition. The story of Joe Dolan's brush with salvation is our story... as we hurl ourselves through the confusion of life. If this talented storyteller doesn't shake up the literary world for years to come, then publishing really has gone over to the dark side.

Caveman Politics is fine first novel. Though, I'm sure, many more accomplished novelists would be proud to lay claim to a work like this. Atkinson's roots reach down deep to the heart of the realist tradition. His prose is taught, his characters memorable, and the drawing of rugby as a metaphor for both race relations and the brutality - or the eternal "scrum" - of life is brilliantly executed. Good show.