Rough Magic: Riding the world’s wildest horse race. A Richard and Judy Book Club pick - Hardcover

Prior-Palmer, Lara

3.67

4,057 ratings by Goodreads

9781785038853: Rough Magic: Riding the world’s wildest horse race. A Richard and Judy Book Club pick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1785038850 ISBN 13: 9781785038853

Publisher: Ebury Press, 2019

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

'[Prior-Palmer's] gorgeous, sensual depiction of this race is a literary marvel; it feels like you are riding alongside her across the desolate steppes; her verbal acuity makes vivid the most elusive of landscapes; her triumph becomes ours' NYLON

The Mongol Derby is the world’s toughest horse race. A feat of endurance across the vast Mongolian plains once traversed by the people of Genghis Khan, competitors ride 25 horses across a distance of 1000km. Many riders don’t make it to the finish line.

In 2013 Lara Prior-Palmer – nineteen, underprepared but seeking the great unknown – decided to enter the race. Driven by her own restlessness, stubbornness, and a lifelong love of horses, she raced for seven days through extreme heat and terrifying storms, catching a few hours of sleep where she could at the homes of nomadic families. Battling bouts of illness and dehydration, exhaustion and bruising falls, she found she had nothing to lose, and tore through the field with her motley crew of horses. In one of the Derby’s most unexpected results, she became the youngest-ever champion and the first woman to win the race.

A tale of adventure, fortitude and poetry, Rough Magic is the extraordinary story of one young woman’s encounter with oblivion, and herself.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

"Think the next Educated or Wild. Palmer’s memoir of beating the odds to become a horse champion is an inspiring saga of perseverance ― and a classic underdog tale." (Entertainment Weekly)

"Prior-Palmer's style is a fascinating mix of pep and poignancy. A really terrific story by a spirited new voice." (Sara Baume)

"[Prior-Palmer's] gorgeous, sensual depiction of this race is a literary marvel; it feels like you are riding alongside her across the desolate steppes; her verbal acuity makes vivid the most elusive of landscapes; her triumph becomes ours." (NYLON)

"In this sensual, spiritual memoir, Prior-Palmer recounts her grueling journey through immense physical hardship, and her surprising transformation from underdog to champion" (Esquire)

"Absolutely riveting." (Buzzfeed)

About the Author:

Lara Prior-Palmer made headlines in 2013 when she became the first Briton - and the youngest-ever competitor overall - to win the Mongol Derby. Rough Magic is her first book.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.