Playing the Games

In Adam Brace's Taking Part, Lucky Henry, a Congolese security guard, has set his sights on representing his country at the 2012 Olympics. Only one problem; he's a terrible swimmer and his Russian coach wants to fly home on the first day of training. Everyone loves an underdog - think Eddie the Eagle or Eric the Eel. Follow Henry's journey from deep end straggler to Olympic hopeful as the two men try to fulfill their dreams at the London games. Serge Cartwright's After the Party follows a pair of best friends, Sean and Ray, from Stratford. Once a promising DJ double act, now they're stuck in a rut: 30ish, unemployed but still clinging to the fantasy of making it in the music industry. With a baby on the way and the world about to arrive on their doorstep for London 2012, it could be the perfect opportunity for them to make something of their lives...