A stunning journey through Venezuelan football as the social and cultural issues intertwine with the author's passion and love for the beautiful game. As a sports fan, pretty much all sports books are enjoyable to me and there are very few that hit the mark and hit you hard and gives a deeper perspective to your own personal circumstances and really makes you want to improve yourself as a person and look for a deeper connection in however it manifests itself out. Red Wine and Arepas by Jordan Florit Is that book that gets to you, it grabs at your heart strings and puts your life into perspective and makes you think how lucky you are. Upon receiving the book, I don’t think it would be remiss of me to say that it daunted me a little, it is a hefty book and one of my first thoughts was, would it grab my attention and interest and allow me to get my head down and get it read.

I don’t think I would be alone when it came to knowing literally nothing about Venezuela or it’s relationship with football other than the one player I’d heard of due to his time at Newcastle United in Solomon Rondon and even then i questioned myself as to whether I’d got his nationality correct. However, come the end of the book, there is no doubt that there is that little bit in you that knows you’ll be keeping an eye on there progress, whether it is their national team and their quest to make their first ever World Cup Finals, there players making that journey over to Europe or even seeing the Liga FUTve on TV in some shape or form and the teams that have shone a light on this book. The book is in essence a mixture of short stories that run along a series of central themes but Florit has left no stone unturned and the way he captures the game in terms of gender and the effect the game has through the eyes of both men and women which for me as an advocate for the women’s game, is brilliant to see. Other common themes are never far away from each story, whether it is the undercurrent of the political issues that have been so apparent for a number of years, the social issues that come via the economic hardships encountered or the corruption in football that has hindered the progress at a national level and a domestic level, which shows little signs of change and of little hope for a swift turnaround. There is literally no one that Florit doesn’t meet, some more successful than others but piercing together players, managers, administrators, families and fans and everything in between allows the book a smooth flow from story to story. A fascinating insight into a member of the Chavez family even makes the list!

From his entry into the country encountering corruption in return for a good deed intended, being lambasted by a Manager for tardiness, his relationship with Kevin who becomes his eyes and ear and is clearly vital to Florit getting his stories, there is everything within the book that will capture the spirit that is intended. Venezuela may have the feel of a country on the brink and captures that shambolic feel at times yet there is always hope that Florit captures in his experiences and whilst not down and out yet, that hope remains throughout the book whether by his own thoughts which are captured perfectly or by the thoughts of those he speaks to which tell the heartwarming tale intended.

Plainly and simply, this book is a joy to read and as an independent publication, I honestly hope that it gets the plaudits it deserves and that not having it backed by a renowned publisher, won’t harm its progression as a book because it should be celebrated for what it is and that is a cultural classic that combines football with a country that has many problems from its economic disaster to social inequalities to its corrupted catastrophes, but all the while hearing the stories of its people who genuinely come across as warm citizens, perhaps at times with tinted glasses but never the less, endearing and capturing your soul. Florit has captured the essence of Venezuela perfectly and manages to intertwine stories from every corner of the South American country, whilst also integrating his own journey in the country that captures every emotion from love and loyalty to debacles and the downright bizarre. The stories are what make this book and whilst the general theme is about football, it also breaks down the social, economic and political issues that manifest itself in both the football and it’s people. In essence its a sad state of affairs with corruption seemingly rife within the game too that is clearly giving hope to its people and its development that is hoped could be its saviour.

I cannot speak highly enough of this book and encourage readers of this review to click on the links below and get a copy of this as soon as you can. Capturing a nation and its struggles against the backdrop of the global game is just pure art and this talented writer has a fan for life, as does the Venezuela. I can't help it, it just captures the heartstrings and look forward to a time celebrating this seemingly fantastic country gracing the grandest stage of them all!