What do you think?
Rate this book
Chariots of Fire
The story of two British athletes, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, as they strive to overcome societal expectations and compete in the 1924 Olympics.
147 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
6 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
William J. Weatherby
22 books3 followersWilliam J. Weatherby, also credited as W.J. Weatherby, was a British journalist and novelist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2025
Si ustedes no vieron "Carros de Fuego" en pantalla grande con esa escena en la playa... se la perdieron. La música de Vangelis la convirtió en un referente para todas las carreras , convirtiéndola en algo inmortal, lo mismo a lo que los corredores de ese tiempo aspiraban.
https://youtu.be/8a-HfNE3EIo
El libro es un media-tie-in basado en el guion de Colin Welland. La cinta estuvo nominada para 7 oscares (ganó 4: mejor película, mejor guion, y mejor banda sonora), y narra la historia verdadera de dos corredores olímpicos británicos: Harold Abrahams y Eric Liddell durante los Juegos Olímpicos en París en 1924.
Como ocurre con frecuencia con este tipo de libros, no aporta mucho a la historia,y el filme sale ganando. Le da con redundancia en el tema de Abrahams y su resentimiento contra el prejuicio británico por ser judío, eso permea toda su vida y su actitud . Cuando empieza la historia es 1919, ha terminado la guerra y la verdad es que Harold es un joven privilegiado, de familia pudiente, que llega a Cambridge con un enfado encarnado por sentirse siempre afuera de la sociedad .
"But the old man forgot one thing. This England of his is Christian and Anglo-Saxon... and so are her halls of intellect, her corridors of power. And those who would walk them guard them with jealousy and venom." . Alli hace amigos en Aubrey (clase media) y Andrew (un aristocrata) , quienes le acompañan en sus deseos de ganar en las Olimpiadas.
Mientras tanto, desde el otro lado del espectro se encuentra Eric Liddell , el escocés hijo de misioneros cristianos en China, quien corre por las colinas y es apoyado por un entusiasta entrenador para seguir corriendo pese a la oposición de su hermana. Eric es un ferviente cristiano, cuya máxima aspiración radica en regresar a China , pero también demostrar sus dones entregados por Dios.
La prensa y el ambiente les convierte en rivales, y lo que para Harold es una obsesión, en Eric es poco más que diversión. Uno lo toma con riguroso entrenamiento, y el otro con un don natural y un poder interior poderoso.
Les recomiendo la película.
https://youtu.be/8a-HfNE3EIo
El libro es un media-tie-in basado en el guion de Colin Welland. La cinta estuvo nominada para 7 oscares (ganó 4: mejor película, mejor guion, y mejor banda sonora), y narra la historia verdadera de dos corredores olímpicos británicos: Harold Abrahams y Eric Liddell durante los Juegos Olímpicos en París en 1924.
Como ocurre con frecuencia con este tipo de libros, no aporta mucho a la historia,y el filme sale ganando. Le da con redundancia en el tema de Abrahams y su resentimiento contra el prejuicio británico por ser judío, eso permea toda su vida y su actitud . Cuando empieza la historia es 1919, ha terminado la guerra y la verdad es que Harold es un joven privilegiado, de familia pudiente, que llega a Cambridge con un enfado encarnado por sentirse siempre afuera de la sociedad .
"But the old man forgot one thing. This England of his is Christian and Anglo-Saxon... and so are her halls of intellect, her corridors of power. And those who would walk them guard them with jealousy and venom." . Alli hace amigos en Aubrey (clase media) y Andrew (un aristocrata) , quienes le acompañan en sus deseos de ganar en las Olimpiadas.
"Why running?"(...)" Do you love running?"
"I'm more of an addict. It's a compulsion, a weapon."
"Against what?"
"Being Jewish, I suppose."
Sybil laughed. "You are not serious?"
"You are not Jewish or you wouldn't ask"
Mientras tanto, desde el otro lado del espectro se encuentra Eric Liddell , el escocés hijo de misioneros cristianos en China, quien corre por las colinas y es apoyado por un entusiasta entrenador para seguir corriendo pese a la oposición de su hermana. Eric es un ferviente cristiano, cuya máxima aspiración radica en regresar a China , pero también demostrar sus dones entregados por Dios.
La prensa y el ambiente les convierte en rivales, y lo que para Harold es una obsesión, en Eric es poco más que diversión. Uno lo toma con riguroso entrenamiento, y el otro con un don natural y un poder interior poderoso.
"Eric" said his father "You can praise the Lord by peeling a potato if you peel it to perfection. Run in His name... and let the world stand back in wonder."
Les recomiendo la película.
May 14, 2013
Reread 5/13. Quick and inspiring read. Forgot this was as much about Harold Abrahams, the other British favorite of the year, as Liddell.
This time I was impressed again at the courage Liddell had to draw on to defend his faith. When asked by his Prince and other heavies to run on Sunday for "country," thereby sacrificing what Liddell felt was his "duty to God," ...what pressure! What tremendous faith and bravery!
And then, saved by a fellow teammate who sacrificed his chance for another medal by letting Liddell run in the 400 instead of him (Liddell was supposed to run the 100 on Sunday). What true sportsmanship!
A lot of nice little moments. Will be a fabulous book to share with our youth this summer H & J.
--
Even better and more inspiring than the movie. What a great man! Except that you miss the music. I guess you could play it while you read:)
This time I was impressed again at the courage Liddell had to draw on to defend his faith. When asked by his Prince and other heavies to run on Sunday for "country," thereby sacrificing what Liddell felt was his "duty to God," ...what pressure! What tremendous faith and bravery!
And then, saved by a fellow teammate who sacrificed his chance for another medal by letting Liddell run in the 400 instead of him (Liddell was supposed to run the 100 on Sunday). What true sportsmanship!
A lot of nice little moments. Will be a fabulous book to share with our youth this summer H & J.
--
Even better and more inspiring than the movie. What a great man! Except that you miss the music. I guess you could play it while you read:)
November 11, 2021
Talking with boys in book club today, K mentioned that movie V FOR VENDETTA made him start planning on how to become a revolutionary rebel leader. 😁
Good movie.
Anyways, that reminded me of this here awesome book. I and my sibs read it at different times, and when we were each done, each one of us were so intensely motivated, we each started planning and training in private to be competing athletes at the next Olympics, no matter what, come hell or high water. 😁
Well. We haven't gone for the Olympics yet. 😂 Awesome book still.
Good movie.
Anyways, that reminded me of this here awesome book. I and my sibs read it at different times, and when we were each done, each one of us were so intensely motivated, we each started planning and training in private to be competing athletes at the next Olympics, no matter what, come hell or high water. 😁
Well. We haven't gone for the Olympics yet. 😂 Awesome book still.
December 7, 2009
I love this movie. The book seemed like a watered down version. Perhaps, it was the music that was lacking. Part way through the book I noted that the cover said it was based on a screenplay. That explains a lot.
February 3, 2016
This story is inspiring, but I felt cheated when I realized that the novel was based on the screenplay for the movie. I should have just watched the movie again; then I wouldn't have had to hum the theme music to myself while I read.
May 18, 2010
This is one instance where I think the movie might be better than the book. I liked the story, but the writing, the "voice", was so sterile. Almost to the point of distraction.
June 21, 2010
I'd seen the movie years ago when it was in the theater, but it was long enough ago to not remember the complete storyline - just the headline of Eric determining not to run on Sunday.
January 16, 2012
I actually read this book prior to reading the film.. and I'm glad I did. It actually made me appreciate the story better.
May 3, 2012
If you've seen the movie you've read the book. The movie follows the book precisely. A true story of two great athletes and and a very inspiring read.
July 10, 2014
A truly wonderful true story that shows what truly can happen when a man takes a stand and obeys the commandments of God.
April 23, 2015
Read it in a day. A truly inspiring strory about standing for what you believe in.
August 6, 2014
Novelization of the movie, inspiring story.
June 7, 2022
The story is great, but the book isn't as deep as it could be. Nevertheless it was written in 1987 about the 1981 hit film of the same name, Chariots of Fire.
Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell were short distance runners for their countries, England and Scotland, respectively. Abrahams was a Jew, represented in the movie as out to prove himself to a world that has historically prejudiced itself against Hebrews. Liddell was preparing to be a missionary in China, where he was born to missionary parents. His brother and sister were missionaries to China. Yet, to his family, he seemed to put his missionary career on hold, while he ran races in unorthodox style...and won them.
Abrahams and LIddle had many things in common. They won record setting races. They were Olympic contenders. They were collegiates.
The juxtaposition of these two men, are stark. This high definition contrast clearly illuminates their individual motivations for running. Abrahams was a Jew whose goal in running was to prove himself to the world. Liddell was a Christian whose goal in running was to let God's glory shine. Abrahams time was spent with a trainer (which apparently was illegal) to analyze every move to make every move count. He had seen a race where Liddell ran and tripped, causing certain loss of the race. Yet Liddell amazingly got up, and speeding to the finish line, came from far behind to win the race. This is a dramatically true story! Liddell had a habit of running with improper form, arms waving and head thrown back. Abrahams was trained to perform with spit and polish, in preparation for the Olympics. Who would win the gold medal for their best race, the 100m?
While Abrahams spent his time in worry and training, Liddell spent his free time, outside of practice, in preaching. I read a story about the actor who portrayed Liddell. He had been studying the Bible for his part. When he read one of the sermons in the script he'd have to give, he felt extremely uncomfortable about it. He said to the directors that he didn't think Liddell, himself, would have preached in that manner. Instead of fiery sermons which were indeed typical of the day, Liddell had an easy going, mild manner. The actor was encouraged by the directors to write his own sermon for that part. He did and it became the most moving part of the entire movie. Of Eric Liddell, the actor who portrayed him said, "...he never pushed his faith down anyone's throat. When he spoke, he spoke rather quietly. He just talked about real things-about himself and his faith and what he did that morning."
There is some fiction in the movie, such as the details surrounding Liddell's refusal to run in the Olympics. Liddell was originally scheduled to run in a heat on a Sunday. Liddell did refuse to run the race due to his personal principle of setting Sunday aside as a Sabbath rest. Unlike the movie, the details of allowing him to run a different race was settled before he arrived at the Olympics. Even though he ran for Great Britain, like Harold Abrahams, it was the heat for the 100m that he turned down that would have pitted him against Abrahams. Abrahams won the gold for the 100m.
Another fictionalized account surrounds an encouraging note Liddell received before his rescheduled race, the 400m. This long distance race was not one that anyone expected him to win, partly because he excelled in short distance races. The movie shows him receiving an encouraging note from one of the American athletes, Jackson Scholtz. In reality he received it off the field from someone else, but the note was the same. The note said, "The Old Book says, 'Those who honor me, I will honor.'" Encouraged, Eric Liddell stunningly won a gold medal in the 400m!
Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell were short distance runners for their countries, England and Scotland, respectively. Abrahams was a Jew, represented in the movie as out to prove himself to a world that has historically prejudiced itself against Hebrews. Liddell was preparing to be a missionary in China, where he was born to missionary parents. His brother and sister were missionaries to China. Yet, to his family, he seemed to put his missionary career on hold, while he ran races in unorthodox style...and won them.
Abrahams and LIddle had many things in common. They won record setting races. They were Olympic contenders. They were collegiates.
The juxtaposition of these two men, are stark. This high definition contrast clearly illuminates their individual motivations for running. Abrahams was a Jew whose goal in running was to prove himself to the world. Liddell was a Christian whose goal in running was to let God's glory shine. Abrahams time was spent with a trainer (which apparently was illegal) to analyze every move to make every move count. He had seen a race where Liddell ran and tripped, causing certain loss of the race. Yet Liddell amazingly got up, and speeding to the finish line, came from far behind to win the race. This is a dramatically true story! Liddell had a habit of running with improper form, arms waving and head thrown back. Abrahams was trained to perform with spit and polish, in preparation for the Olympics. Who would win the gold medal for their best race, the 100m?
While Abrahams spent his time in worry and training, Liddell spent his free time, outside of practice, in preaching. I read a story about the actor who portrayed Liddell. He had been studying the Bible for his part. When he read one of the sermons in the script he'd have to give, he felt extremely uncomfortable about it. He said to the directors that he didn't think Liddell, himself, would have preached in that manner. Instead of fiery sermons which were indeed typical of the day, Liddell had an easy going, mild manner. The actor was encouraged by the directors to write his own sermon for that part. He did and it became the most moving part of the entire movie. Of Eric Liddell, the actor who portrayed him said, "...he never pushed his faith down anyone's throat. When he spoke, he spoke rather quietly. He just talked about real things-about himself and his faith and what he did that morning."
There is some fiction in the movie, such as the details surrounding Liddell's refusal to run in the Olympics. Liddell was originally scheduled to run in a heat on a Sunday. Liddell did refuse to run the race due to his personal principle of setting Sunday aside as a Sabbath rest. Unlike the movie, the details of allowing him to run a different race was settled before he arrived at the Olympics. Even though he ran for Great Britain, like Harold Abrahams, it was the heat for the 100m that he turned down that would have pitted him against Abrahams. Abrahams won the gold for the 100m.
Another fictionalized account surrounds an encouraging note Liddell received before his rescheduled race, the 400m. This long distance race was not one that anyone expected him to win, partly because he excelled in short distance races. The movie shows him receiving an encouraging note from one of the American athletes, Jackson Scholtz. In reality he received it off the field from someone else, but the note was the same. The note said, "The Old Book says, 'Those who honor me, I will honor.'" Encouraged, Eric Liddell stunningly won a gold medal in the 400m!
November 20, 2023
This was quite a quick read. I chose to read because the number of pages suggested a quick perusal. It was after I started that I realized the book is actually a result of the movie. It's usually the reverse in most cases.
Regardless, the story is a simple, true story of two athletes competing for Great Britain and their struggles to maintain their principles in life. One, Harold Abrahams, is Jewish, trying to establish himself in the WASPiest of countries, England. The other, Eric Liddell is so devoted to his faith that he refuses to run the 100-meter heats on a Sunday, as scheduled.
Harold meets and courts Sybil Gordon, an opera soprano, to further complicate his situation as he wants to beat Eric Liddell in the 100-meter race so badly that he doesn't see straight.
Eric L is so adamant that he won't violate the sabbath but he gets tremendous pressure from the British Olympic Committee and English royalty to reconsider his situation. Add to this pressure is his sister who insists he should quit the running career and devote his time and energy to the Christian ministry in China.
Eventually, a teammate suggests that Eric run the 400-meter race instead. As this event doesn't take place on a Sunday. The suggestion is agreed to by all parties and Eric even wins this event, in record time.
In the meantime, Harold, while not able to race Eric L again, beats the heavily favored Americans and wins his own gold medal in the 100-meter race. All are happy. Especially, the Prince, the British Olympic Committee, and the running coach.
Both runners retired after this 1924 Olympiad in Paris, France. Eric made his way to China and was captured during the war, WWII. He died in captivity late in the war, unfortunately. Harold went on to marry Sybil Evers and lived a long life until his death in 1978.
I remember watching the movie. A feel-good yarn about keeping your dreams and your principles. It received an oscar for best film. And, of course, the sound track was a big hit.
Regardless, the story is a simple, true story of two athletes competing for Great Britain and their struggles to maintain their principles in life. One, Harold Abrahams, is Jewish, trying to establish himself in the WASPiest of countries, England. The other, Eric Liddell is so devoted to his faith that he refuses to run the 100-meter heats on a Sunday, as scheduled.
Harold meets and courts Sybil Gordon, an opera soprano, to further complicate his situation as he wants to beat Eric Liddell in the 100-meter race so badly that he doesn't see straight.
Eric L is so adamant that he won't violate the sabbath but he gets tremendous pressure from the British Olympic Committee and English royalty to reconsider his situation. Add to this pressure is his sister who insists he should quit the running career and devote his time and energy to the Christian ministry in China.
Eventually, a teammate suggests that Eric run the 400-meter race instead. As this event doesn't take place on a Sunday. The suggestion is agreed to by all parties and Eric even wins this event, in record time.
In the meantime, Harold, while not able to race Eric L again, beats the heavily favored Americans and wins his own gold medal in the 100-meter race. All are happy. Especially, the Prince, the British Olympic Committee, and the running coach.
Both runners retired after this 1924 Olympiad in Paris, France. Eric made his way to China and was captured during the war, WWII. He died in captivity late in the war, unfortunately. Harold went on to marry Sybil Evers and lived a long life until his death in 1978.
I remember watching the movie. A feel-good yarn about keeping your dreams and your principles. It received an oscar for best film. And, of course, the sound track was a big hit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
Chariots of Fire is a book based on a screenplay for a movie. Because of this, there is not much meat to this book. The reader gets to know the main characters, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell just enough to possibly relate to them and understand their struggles. Secondary characters are not explored much at all. I'm not really interested in any type of sports or the Olympics (I read this to fulfill a challenge), so I actually liked that about this book. I didn't have to spend days bogged down in someone's life that I just didn't relate to or care about. Reading this book was really just like watching a movie. It was simple.
That's not to say it didn't explore some really interesting aspects of the young men's lives that I was not expecting. This book deals, not only with running, but issues in religion, race, and politics as well. I was surprised at how much I did enjoy the book, and how quickly I read it. It is a fast read because everything that happens is pertinent to the story. The characters' emotions are expressed succinctly, without having to spend pages and pages showing the reader how they feel. While I am not opposed to "showing not telling" in most cases, it works well in this book.
That's not to say it didn't explore some really interesting aspects of the young men's lives that I was not expecting. This book deals, not only with running, but issues in religion, race, and politics as well. I was surprised at how much I did enjoy the book, and how quickly I read it. It is a fast read because everything that happens is pertinent to the story. The characters' emotions are expressed succinctly, without having to spend pages and pages showing the reader how they feel. While I am not opposed to "showing not telling" in most cases, it works well in this book.
August 27, 2019
Not exactly what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be more about Liddell and his life and the background that inspired his decision. I've never heard of Harold Abrahams.
Liddell and Abrahams could not be more different and it's all because of Christ. I felt sorry for Abrahams but also kind of didn't like him at the same time. I'm sure there was prejudice and bigotry, but I feel like he was overly-sensitive and looking for it, so maybe saw it where there was none.
As far as Liddell, I admire his conviction and sticking to what he believed, but it's also kind of sad because it's quite legalistic in nature. That was the culture and what was taught by the churches. Eric obviously believed it wholly and God placed that conviction on his heart, so he should honor it, but I have to wonder what part legalism played, if any. Eric's integrity and obedience did bring honor and glory to God.
A quick little glimpse at the story, but not the biography I was expecting.
Liddell and Abrahams could not be more different and it's all because of Christ. I felt sorry for Abrahams but also kind of didn't like him at the same time. I'm sure there was prejudice and bigotry, but I feel like he was overly-sensitive and looking for it, so maybe saw it where there was none.
As far as Liddell, I admire his conviction and sticking to what he believed, but it's also kind of sad because it's quite legalistic in nature. That was the culture and what was taught by the churches. Eric obviously believed it wholly and God placed that conviction on his heart, so he should honor it, but I have to wonder what part legalism played, if any. Eric's integrity and obedience did bring honor and glory to God.
A quick little glimpse at the story, but not the biography I was expecting.
December 23, 2019
This book is about two runners - Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. Harold runs to overcome being treated badly because he's Jewish, and Eric runs to glorify God. They are both very fast and both end up going to the Olympic Games. But challenges await them, especially Eric.
I really liked this book! Through most of the book, I actually really didn't like Herald. I found him to be overconfident and a sore loser. But by the time I got to the end of the book, I liked him a bit more. But I loved Eric. He had to make a difficult decision. I admire his choice, and how much love he showed to God. I don't know if I'd be able to do that.
This story was amazing and inspiring, and I hope that I read more like it.
I really liked this book! Through most of the book, I actually really didn't like Herald. I found him to be overconfident and a sore loser. But by the time I got to the end of the book, I liked him a bit more. But I loved Eric. He had to make a difficult decision. I admire his choice, and how much love he showed to God. I don't know if I'd be able to do that.
This story was amazing and inspiring, and I hope that I read more like it.
June 1, 2023
Excellent! I don't know if that's because of the book or the two parallel stories that take place, but that's beside the point. True stories, Olympics, world events, overcoming prejudice, etc.. So many factors here. I've always heard of the movie but never knew what it was about, so I'm glad to have finally read it. Now I've got to see the movie.
March 26, 2020
This was the first time I read a book that was a novelization of a screenplay of a movie I've seen multiple times. It's an enjoyable and breezy review of the storylines in the film, sans the Vangelis soundtrack.
January 21, 2019
A part of history worth reading about (it is somewhat a dramatization) but it reflects a lost Era and highlights our humanity in the way we use the talents God gives us.
May 29, 2019
Easy short read, 5th or 6th grade level. Tells the story of Eric Liddell & his competitors in the 1924 Olympics.
September 26, 2019
An excellent story of two men who refused to compromise. This was truly an inspiring read.
September 27, 2019
Pleasant easy read.
May 13, 2023
Good story, but decent book. Probably better as a movie
July 24, 2023
Made me think scary thoughts, like "I want to run a race"
March 25, 2024
An interesting read, although I didn't realise it was a book adaptation of the movie...
June 12, 2024
Now I really want to watch the movie!
August 16, 2024
This book deserves more than a five star rating!
April 24, 2025
“For after all life is a great race and what are we but runners?”
September 26, 2018
This screenplay goes along with the 1971 movie perfectly. It also gives insight into the characters, almost like the insight on the character motivation behind the characters thoughts, which can not be seen directly in the movie, but can be seen through their actions. I fell in love with the movie at a young age, but the this book further helped me appreciate the movie that much more. Both have a deep impact on me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews