New Arrival Dad Had a Bad Day

Since losing his job, Ned’s sole responsibility has been to look after his six-year-old son while his wife works. When he one day finds his old tennis racquet buried in the garage, he also unearths a part of his former self. On a whim, and without his wife’s knowledge, Ned rejoins his former tennis club – and finds life outside the realm of domesticity. He becomes the captain of a local men’s team, reconnects with his old partner, former tennis-prodigy Roland, and commits himself body and soul to building a winning team. But when Roland disappears, Ned’s search for his friend threatens not only the path to glory, but his relationship with his son, his marriage, and his mind. A meditation on fathers and sons, male friendship, and the all-consuming thrill of competing and winning, Dad Had a Bad Day is wincingly funny and addictive – and, ultimately, poignant and quietly heartbreaking. ‘ A funny, moving, often disturbing portrait of men . . . filled with strange detail, bold swerves, and the idiosyncratic language of sport .’ – Kathryn Scanlan, author of Kick the Latch ‘ No one writes about masculinity and community like Ashton Politanoff . . . Authenticity is evident beneath the dark comedy of the team dynamics, sharply observed dialogue, and exploration of one man’s intoxication with his own potential .’ – Lucie Elven