Playing the Moldovans at Tennis

Having just traveled through Moldova on a cycling trip through Eastern Europe, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to read this whilst staying at the one and only hostel in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Tony's bet and ensuing journey make for laugh-out-loud, can't put it down reading. The funniest part it, having seen the country first hand, how remarkably accurate his circumstances and plights are - and similar to many situations I found myself in (though I didn't actually play any tennis whilst there). The fact Tony takes the bet so seriously and ends up traveling to Israel to complete it speaks volumes for Tony's determination to stick to his guns. His writing, whilst entirely amusing, always is serious and reflective in parts, and balances the entire novel out. There is no question that Tony's travels to Moldova change him as he learns and experiences a part of the world so little know about. This is a great read for anyone who plans to go or who has been to Moldova, to look back and laugh tongue-in-cheek at the wonderful way of life these people live - or to make you more excited to visit this country totally void of tourists. And if you get the chance to visit Transdnistria - do so - it is one of the single most amazing places in the world... Tony - 5 stars mate - keep up the great writing; I look forward to your next novel: Across Antarctica with a Pogo Stick. And if you are looking for that hostel, go to 'marisha dot net'.

A hilarious romp through Moldova, Ireland and Israel as Hawks seeks to win a bet with his friend by beating the eleven members of the Moldovan National Football team at tennis. The loser must stand naked outside an English pub and sing the Moldovan National Anthem. I was given this book by a Moldovan friend who was impressed with the accuracy that Hawks portrayed her native country. Having paid a short visit to this very untouristed country myself, it was enjoyable to see such an unknown place portrayed in the mainstream press. And Hawks does a wonderful job. A comic by professional, Hawks is a gifted writer that brings his travels and the people he meets along the way to life, providing plenty of laughs along the way. He is also a philosophical advocate for a positive attitude. While he recognizes that the source of his optimism stems from all the opportunities he was provided where he was born, the contrast with the dour Moldovans provides for lots of cross cultural tension. A truly enjoyable read whether you're planning to go to Moldova or not. Recommended.

Like most people, I picked up Tony Hawks' "Moldovans" for the humor and the interesting story angle, but I stayed for what was a very well-written travelogue with surprising - and quite emotional - depth. When Tony sets the scene for you, you think: ha-ha, that's a funny bet (hats off to Tony and friend Arthur for even constructing a bet that inventive...the comedic mind at work, I guess). But, as the bet unfolds, there's a lesson to be learned here: Tony set a goal for himself and - despite enduring significant hardship and many, many potential roadblocks - he inexorably works towards his goal. The emotional core of the book is the relationship Tony forms with his Moldovan host family in the capital of Chisinau. Hawks tells of going to middle school with the family's daughter Elena as sort of a 'show and tell' object. He's a great sport and recounts tales like that with great elan. The real treat though is his relationship with the family's teenage son Adrian, who starts off a bit standoffish and cool ('typical teenager' is how Hawks interprets it...no harm taken). But Hawks breaks through one night as the two attend an opera together - at intermission, he has Adrian literally convulsed with laughter, wiping tears from eyes. What a moment - Hawks recognizes it and conveys it beautifully to his readers. That's why the book's epilogue - a touching letter from Adrian - is so pitch-perfect. Think this was some insipid quest that Hawks took on? The lessons that Adrian took away from Tony's journey will tell you otherwise. As Hawks himself concludes after reading the letter: "Now it all made a little more sense." Exactly. Well done, Tony.

After living in Moldova, I can tell you I could not put this book down. I laughed out loud at almost every page. Tony's experiences in his short time in Moldova reminded me of my first few weeks there. His description of his relationship with his adopted family especially was touching, since I was fortunate to get past that outer wall Moldovans put up as well. This book is not offensive to Moldovans, at least it wouldn't be to the Moldovans I know who would laugh at Tony's tales and drink some vin. Moldovans have a terrific sense of humor (once they know you) but it has been colored by their hard circumstances. I believe Tony saw so much of the good side of Moldovans, especially their hospitality and their love of foreigners. As a soccer fan, and someone who loves Moldova and their different ways, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Tony's adventures make me want to head back.

This book has heart and gets to the funny bone too. Tony, if you read this, BRAVO.I'm a Romanian living in Toronto and I'm amazed: 'RARA AVIS' - Tony Hawks got it. Not only the writing has humour but it gets to the essence of what living in a former soviet republic is. None of the cold war stereotypes here and this is done by fraternizing with the local people. And above all, you can feel the warmth.There's a part about the Gypsy quarter that reminds me of 'Gadjo dilo', the movie of another Brit, Tony Gaitliff. How come that, one of a sudden, the Englishmen seem to get it ? (It must be the pauperization under Maggie Thatcher). 'Gadjo dilo' could be a companion movie to 'Playing the Moldovans ..' and I recommend it too (to both Romanians and Moldovans). It's not like Kusturica's Gypsy movies with his pretentions to magical realism.( I think Kusturica was so successful in the West 'cuz he leans on the Hollywood side).Now a note about football(soccer):England may have crushed the Moldovans - this huge disparity of power between the two nations is in fact the trigger of the book - but they did not beat Romania (a close 1-0) since the 1970 World Cup in Guadalajara. Since that lucky win England was peridically humiliated by the Romanians' latin style of play.Think Nastase vs. Henman.So, my Moldovan brothers, England has no reason to look down on you - you've been avenged in many a game. If you're a Romanian, get this book; if you're a Moldovan, even more so. And if you're neither, get it still.