C.L.R. James's book of 1963, Beyond a Boundary, extols the virtues of cricket both within and beyond the boundary. But can its sense of moral code, forged in the first half of the 20th century, survive the rigours of globalisation? James's nephew Darcus Howe returns to his native Trinidad to put the book to the test.

The last time I heard Darcus Howe on the radio was during that deliciously uncomfortable live and savage spat over racism he had with Joan Rivers on Radio 4's Midweek. If you are hoping for a repeat performance here you'll be disappointed, but if you'd rather enjoy a genuinely moving and very personal journey back to his early life in Trinidad this one's for you. In 1963 C.L.R. James, Darcus Howe's uncle, wrote Beyond a Boundary, which has since been referred to as "the greatest ever book on cricket". At its core, the book contained a vision for the future of the newly independent West Indian States, and Darcus has fond memories of discovering the mysteries and joys of cricket, as well as how the game helped create high expectations in both him and his uncle. What he finds on his return to Trinidad is one example after another of decay and disappointment. A broken and disjointed society from beyond the boundary is the reality of the island today, and Howe is left wrestling with the hopes and visions of his uncle's book.