John McPhee's Levels of the Game Book Review
Describes a Tennis Match Between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner
Mar 1, 2009
Levels of the Game starts with the first point of the 1968 US Open semifinal between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner, and ends with the last point, as Ashe wins.
The book is only 150 pages long and describes the match and what is going on in the two players' minds. McPhee takes the reader into the strategies adopted by Ashe and Graebner on each point.
But the book is not merely a faithful chronicler of the match. Levels of the Game contrasts the two different characters, and explains their styles of play in the context of their political views and outlook to life.
Ashe vs. Graebner
The African-American Ashe, who shows a calm demeanour on court, has a mercurial game. If Ashe is on song, he would go for the impossible angle and make it look easy. He is a rhythm player, prone to make errors playing the obvious shot. McPhee ties Ashe's game to a liberal political outlook.
Graebner is not as gifted as Ashe, and seeks to trumph through single-mindedness and persistence. If the tide is against him, Graebner displays a volatile temper on court, directing his ire at umpires, linesmen and spectators. Graebner is the conservative, devoted family man, oblivious to the world. He says in Levels of the Game that he does not have any friends in tennis.
Ashe & Graebner - Different Backgrounds
McPhee explores the different backgrounds of the two players. He charts the Ashe family tree, from the time his ancestor arrived from Africa as a slave in the 18th century. Graebner, born to a doctor, was raised in a comfortable suburban ambience
Levels of the Game depicts how Ashe weathered racial prejudices in his quest to become a top tennis player. The book also talks about the role of an African-American doctor, Robert Walter Johnson, in promoting tennis in the community. He trained and financed Ashe and Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win a grand slam title.
Ashe the African-American
McPhee succintly takes the reader through Ashe's early years with a disciplinarian father, and then the training with Dr Johnson, showing how Ashe became the player he was. McPhee's description of the books Ashe was reading portrays a person aware of his importance to the African-American community.
Ashe is keen to help African-Americans play tennis. But he also sets his limits, refusing to step up as a community leader by marching and picketing for the civil rights movement.
After beating Graebner, Ashe went on to win the US Open in 1968. Ashe and Graebner together led the US team to the Davis Cup title the same year.
Ashe also won the Wimbledon title in 1975.
