Tails I Lose

This is a remarkable story about an ordinary man. It's told with heartfelt honesty without seeking sympathy. It's a story of loss, both emotional and financial, and regret but is ultimately a tale of love and hope.

Justyn Rees Larcombe seemed to have it all. In many ways his childhood and schooling could be considered privileged as he received a boarding school education. His army career was a glittering success followed by high powered jobs in the City. A happy family man with a huge salary, fast car it's difficult to both imagine and understand how it all went so horribly wrong. He makes no excuse other than his own failing and weakness and doesn't attribute blame elsewhere. But what started as perhaps a bit of almost harmless fun seemed to trigger behaviours which took him out of control at breakneck speed. He was an online gambling addict and the compulsion to place bets soon became his primary focus in life. Savings soon disappeared and with cunning and duplicity, he was soon finding dishonourable ways to fund his habit. His account was at times heartbreaking; like watching a train crash and picking over the carnage.

I was concerned that there might be a strong religious element to the story. But it's not an 'I've found God and now I'm saved' account at all. It's brutal in places. Not literally, but there's a great deal of emotional pain and he gives a highly readable account of the depths to which he sank and how those around were affected and reacted. As a biography, it's extraordinary. Mr Rees has no easy answers, but his clarity and insight can only be helpful to anyone wishing to gain an understanding of addictive behaviour. It's a different and compelling read and my thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.