Natural talent shines through in fictional tale of gay footballer

Vivid, real and muscular, A Natural is a highly satisfying and deeply felt read.

Ross Raisin: his latest novel is vivid, real and muscular

Fiction: A Natural, By Ross Raisin, Jonathan Cape, €17

It might be the beautiful game to many, but for years the dialogue around homosexuality in football has been anything but. English footballer Justin Fashanu came out in 1990 and, after he was jeered by supporters, eventually took his own life. Fashanu remains one of the very few top-flight footballers who took the decision to be open about being gay.

Now the topic finds ...