As a passive Wimbledon watcher, a novel so heavily centred on tennis wasn’t high on my TBR list. But in Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s masterful storytelling quickly drew me into the world of intense competition, complex family dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Carrie sits with her jaw clenched as she watches Nicki Chan close in on her Grand Slam record. And she’ll be damned if someone other than her will be named ‘the greatest tennis player of all time’. The story follows Carrie, who, at 37, is compelled to return to the professional circuit for one final, gruelling season. Despite her age and the physical demands of the sport, she’s determined to prove she’s still the greatest. She’s ready to face not only formidable opponents on the court but also the harsh scrutiny of the media and her own internal battles.
Carrie Soto is Back is more than just a sports novel; it’s a deep dive into the psyche of a woman obsessed with winning and the ultimate question of what true success looks like. It’s a testament to Reid’s ability to craft a compelling narrative around even the most niche topics.
There is no denying that Reid has a knack for creating compelling, complex characters. She doesn’t shy away from holding a mirror to the protagonist’s flaws, which is a true strength in her writing. Titular character: Carrie Soto is prickly, unapologetic, driven, and so deeply unlikeable. I found her abrasive and difficult to root for. While her skill was undeniable, her lack of grace and sportsmanship often overshadowed her talent. Her constant need to remind everyone of her greatness, rather than letting her game speak for itself, felt tiresome. Like John McEnroe, her legacy seems destined to be defined by her lack of grace as much as her undeniable skill.
My favourite character in the novel is Carrie’s father, Javier. He brings a warmth to the scenes with Carrie as you see the balancing act of being father and coach. Javier’s unwavering belief in Carrie’s potential was a double-edged sword; whilst his coaching forged her into a tennis legend, his relentless pursuit of greatness also instilled a god-like pressure that defined her character, a truth he comes to understand later. Their evolving dynamic is truly the heart of the story, showcasing the sacrifices made for ambition and the profound bond between parent and child.
One of my favourite dynamics was that of Carrie and Nicki. It’s a crucial element that contributes to Carrie’s personal growth and ultimate peace. Their relationship manages to maintain a fierce competitive element whilst evolving into something more profound. This ultimately plays a pivotal role in Carrie’s ability to retire on her own terms.
One of the most striking aspects of their dynamic is Nicki’s unique ability to break down the walls Carrie has meticulously built around herself. For most of her life, Carrie has been defined by her relentless pursuit of greatness and her solitary nature. She’s seen as a ruthless competitor, unapproachable and emotionally distant. However, Nicki, through her own brand of fierce confidence and genuine respect for the game, manages to breach these defences. She doesn’t see Carrie as just a legend to be defeated; she sees her as a worthy opponent whose intensity mirrors her own. This shared understanding of the mental and physical toll of elite tennis creates a unique bond.
This non-romantic relationship with a worthy opponent is what seems to allow Carrie to finally retire from the game peacefully. Carrie’s return to tennis wasn’t just about reclaiming her record; it was a desperate attempt to prove she was still relevant.
However, Nicki’s existence as a formidable opponent, a true successor to the throne, forces Carrie to confront a new reality. The world of tennis will continue after she is gone. There will be new champions who play with the same fire and passion she once had. By accepting Nicki as a worthy heir, Carrie is able to let go of her need to be the only one. She can pass the torch with a sense of contentment, rather than with bitterness or a feeling of being usurped. The mutual respect and even affection that develops between these two rivals is a testament to the idea that true greatness isn’t about being the only one at the top, but about leaving a legacy that others can aspire to and even surpass.
The combination of her relationship with Nicki and her romantic relationship with Beau serves to humanise Carrie. Beau sees Carrie and can understand her in ways few others ever could. He knows the pressures of being a tennis legend and yet he isn’t threatened by her continued success. He also strives to know Carrie, the person. This provides her with an anchor to a life outside of the sport. Whilst the dynamic with Nicki allows Carrie to find closure within her tennis career, Beau gives her a reason to look forward to the future.
Carrie Soto is Back serves a true ace. I can’t describe how I devoured this book and how much I have thought about it since. I have rated this book 4/5 stars purely due to the fact I hated Carrie for near enough 70% of it. The only reason it’s not getting a grand slam. Despite this, I couldn’t recommend it enough!
Until next time,
Ashleigh x
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