**
The Breakdown:
A Deep Dive into 's Journey**
If you think you know the celebrated former Ireland fly-half, it’s time to delve deeper—this is no ordinary memoir.
One of the most striking aspects of ’s new autobiography is that it took seven years to complete. Seven years? It’s a lengthy process reminiscent of ’s laborious journey with *Ulysses*.
As Peter O’Reilly, Sexton’s skilled (and perhaps patient) ghostwriter, notes in the acknowledgments, there was little need for extensive interviews due to “Johnny’s exceptional memory for detail.” When you combine these two elements, a compelling narrative is almost guaranteed.
Sexton possesses an extraordinary ability to recall everything and everyone from his life. He remembers what his friends said and did, what his rivals were thinking (or at least what he believed they were thinking), and how he felt during pivotal moments. At times, the narrative reads like a stark report from an ongoing battle, which is how much of his career felt to him. “For so much of the time, I was at war—with opponents, with rivals, sometimes with coaches, often with myself. For the most part … it felt like a fight,” he reflects.
This autobiography promises to offer readers an insightful and raw perspective on Sexton’s life and career, revealing the complexities behind the public persona of one of rugby’s most iconic figures.
Question 1: How long did it take Johnny Sexton to write his autobiography?
It took Johnny Sexton seven years to stitch together his autobiography.
Question 2: Who assisted Johnny Sexton in writing his autobiography?
Peter O’Reilly served as Sexton’s ghostwriter for the autobiography.
Question 3: What notable quality does Johnny Sexton possess that contributed to the writing process?
Johnny Sexton has an exceptional memory for detail, which minimized the need for supplementary interviews during the writing process.
Question 4: How does Sexton describe his experience throughout much of his career?
Sexton describes his experience as being at war – with opponents, rivals, coaches, and often with himself, characterizing it as a constant fight.
Question 5: What is the tone of Sexton's autobiography as suggested by the article?
The tone of Sexton's autobiography is described as a cold-eyed dispatch from an endless battle, reflecting the struggles and conflicts he faced throughout his career.