FICTION

True

by Karl Taro Greenfeld
Little A: Amazon. Jun. 2018. 210p. ISBN 9781542046831. $24.95; pap. ISBN 9781542046848. F
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In this latest novel from Greenfeld (The Subprimes; Triburbia), we meet Trudy, or True, a soccer star from west Los Angeles who is a fierce competitor, or as she puts it, "I play angry." The story opens with Trudy in her pre-adolescent years; she is a soccer protégée but gets by more on her desire and physical effort than sheer talent. Away from the soccer pitch, Trudy's teenage life is a mess. Her father drinks and gambles, and her mother died giving birth to Trudy's autistic sister, Pauline. Soccer is everything, and her laser focus damages any friendships, but Trudy keeps a B average in school just to remain eligible. Greenfeld's novel spans decades of Trudy's life from her burning desire to make the National Team to later in life when her selfish hard edge destroys relationships with men, teammates, and family.
VERDICT Greenfeld's writing gives off a vibe of a YA sports story full of off-the-field conflicts, including questionable decisions about sex. Trudy is a conflicted protagonist who will draw sympathy from readers, but others may find her someone they love to hate.
Reviewed by Rollie Welch, Lehigh Acres, FL , Feb 15, 2018
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