-
Sevens Heaven
- The Beautiful Chaos of Fiji’s Olympic Dream
- Narrated by: Ben Ryan
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 31-05-2018
- Language: English
- Publisher: Orion
- Whispersync for Voice-ready
Regular price: $30.38
Publisher's Summary
This is the story of how one man changed a nation, how that nation changed the man and how together they made sporting history.
It is late summer 2013. Ben Ryan, a red-haired, 40-something, spectacle-wearing Englishman, is given 20 minutes to decide whether he wants to coach Fiji's rugby sevens team, with the aim of taking them to the nation's first-ever Olympic medal. He has never been to Fiji. There has been no discussion of contracts or salary. But he knows that no one plays rugby like the men from these isolated Pacific islands, just as no one plays football like the kids from the Brazilian favelas, or no one runs as fast as the boys and girls from Jamaica's boondocks. He knows, too, that no other rugby nation has so little - no money and no resources, only basic equipment and a long, sad history of losing its most gifted players to richer, greedier nations.
Ryan says yes. And with that simple word he sets in motion an extraordinary journey that will encompass witch doctors and rugby-obsessed prime ministers, sun-smeared dawns and devastating cyclones, intense friendships and bitter rows, phone taps and wild nationwide parties. It will end in Rio with a performance that not only wins Olympic gold but touches fresh heights for rugby union and sees Ben made a tribal chief, hundreds of Fijian babies given his name and his 12 players heroes forever back home.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
More from the same
Narrator
What members say
Average Customer Ratings
Overall
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
5 Stars16
-
4 Stars0
-
3 Stars0
-
2 Stars0
-
1 Stars0
Performance
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
5 Stars16
-
4 Stars0
-
3 Stars0
-
2 Stars0
-
1 Stars0
Story
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
5 Stars16
-
4 Stars0
-
3 Stars0
-
2 Stars0
-
1 Stars0
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-08-2018
Amazing
I read the book and also listened to this audio version. Love it and love Ben’s love for Fiji, the people and culture. It’s amazing what goes on behind the scenes. Things that us as fans are not aware of. We love you Ratu!
If you’re looking for a good read that has love, passion, “rags to riches” roller coaster adventure of emotions then this one is a goodie!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 23-06-2018
amazing story
loved it! finished in a couple days. great uplifting story anyone would enjoy from a mad rugby supporter to an everyday person.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-06-2018
wonderful
didn't put it down... loved it and appreciated the candor and honest review of the 3 yrs
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-06-2018
Beautifully written, could not put it down.
As an Australian born Fijian and avid fan of our beloved Fiji 7s team, i couldn't wait to read this. I thought I might get bored in parts, if the rugby talk went to much in detail but Im happy to report that never happened. Brilliantly documented story of the Fiji Olympic journey through the eyes of Ben Ryan and a perfectly painted picture of the Fijian way of life. Could not be prouder. Thank you for living your truth and sharing your story. Vinaka Ben #veilomani
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ant
- 08-06-2018
An inspiring story told with honesty and heart
A great story of an inspiring and important journey for the people of Fiji. A fantastic leadership role model of adaptation to suit individuals yet designed to achieve a common goal. A reminder to also enjoy the moments and to keep things in perspective. Vinaka Ben.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 04-06-2018
Excellent narration and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story
Loved the entire book and took me three days to finish the entire book. I’d recommend the book to everybody who has followed Ben Ryan’s career and how he took the Fiji 7’s team to winning their first ever Olympic medal. Loved it and can’t wait to actually grab a copy of the book and a movie worthy story 🤗😄👍🏽
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-07-2018
A read that will have you in tears from beginning to the end!
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I seriously was in tears from the start to the end and to make it more emotional was the soothing voice of the man himself Ben Ryan! I suggest that all Fijians and non-Fijian rugby fans to read/listen to this book! This book was beautifully written that I was able to picture everything in my mind as if I was there experiencing everything with Ratu Peni! TOSO VITI TOSO!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Carl Ngamoki-Cameron
- 01-07-2018
Remarkable and Insightful Story
Great resource for coaches. Liked how Ben understood, committed, communicated and united his team and navigated his environment.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 11-06-2018
Brilliant, Captivating, Inspiring and insightful!
Loved it! The fact that Ben narrates the audio version of the book carries a lot more weight as it draws directly from his emotions and personal experiences setting the exact tone and besides, was great to hear his voice. A great talanoa by the man himself! Simply awesome!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- ScorpioRobin
- 10-06-2018
Stunning and inspiring read
An amazing story that is both inspiring and heartwarming.
Ben Ryan is a credit to the world of Rugby
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 06-08-2018
Simply Magical
An incredible story that’s hard to put down.
Best rugby book in years and proof that good things happen to good people.
Whole heartedly recommend this to anyone and everyone.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ross
- 23-07-2018
Outstanding
Probably the most interesting sporting book I have had the pleasure of reading thus far!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Maciu Vasu
- 20-07-2018
Vei lomani
Every fiji rugby fan need to read/listen to this book.
Loved evey bit of it !
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tim P.
- 18-07-2018
Great sentiment and ideology and even better rugby
There’s not too much on Ben’s life which I must admit I prefer in books about sports people.
However the messages on Fiji island life, grassroots rugby to gold medal level, leadership and world rugby business is great.
This is perfect for all rugby fans and as well as very interesting and entertaining some parts had me in stitches.
Remember you heard it here on the coconut wireless 🌴
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-07-2018
Brilliant
absolutely superb. you get a real feeling for what fiji is like and it's people. I want to go to fiji now.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 04-07-2018
totoka
I can't recommend this book enough. If you love rugby it's a must read/listen. Even better having Ben read this himself.
Had me in tears, feeling sad, in fits of laughter and questioning my own rugby philosophy
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Luke Namadila
- 27-06-2018
Exceptional Brilliant
It covers the talented and gifted of Raw Rugby of Fiji. Vinaka Vakalevu Peni Raiyani. VEILOMANI
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Akanise saukawa
- 27-06-2018
Sevens heaven
Extraordinary story, loved every chapter!!
I don’t know what the boys and coach were going through till I heard this story.
Thank you, to the all players, coach, mangers and everyone mentioned in this story for the dedication and hard work.💪🏽🙂
God bless you all!Veilomani✝️=❤️
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rossano Nocera
- 24-06-2018
Brilliant Tale
Superbly narrated tale of sporting triumph, leadership, and a real cultural insight into Fiji.
Was genuinely gutted when the book ended it was so uplifting!!