The Gambler
An Autobiography 1920 - 1939
The title of the second part of his autobiography was inspired by, what Stuart Cloete viewed as, the biggest gamble of his life; the decision to become a writer.
His frankness gives the reader insight into the desires and motives of a compulsive, restless man. First Cloete desires South Africa and he leaves France to travel to the home of his ancestors, where he spends years building up farms. But once established he feels compelled to ‘break the mould’ once more. He begins to desire other women as incompatibility and his frustration drive a wedge between him and his wife. And he begins to desire literary success.
It is a story of ends. His first marriage fails and his farming career in South Africa finishes when he leaves for London to become a writer. But Cloete writes it is also ‘the story of a gamble that came off and the start of a new career in a new country with a new companion.’
The volume ends with Cloete with his future second wife, Tiny, in America. His first novel, Turning Wheels, is a massive success and he knows he has hit the jackpot!
