A Pennant for the Kremlin

by Paul Malloy

Genres: Baseball

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight read, but fun. I especially liked the ending, in which the World Series doesn't end as one might expect in a book like this. But the book's biggest surprise (for me, at least) came earlier, in the form of Deborin's beautifully lyrical and graceful paean to the virtues of America and Americana. It was a strangely poetic moment in a book that seemed mostly content to rely on stereotypes and fish-out-of-water humor.

In a nutshell, the book is exactly what you might expect: "'dem Russkies don't understand baseball ... but I'm learning to appreciate their special charm ... and maybe we're not so different after all." All rounded out with some yuks, a bad guy getting his comeuppance, and a love story. Mostly, I was fascinated by how much has changed since this book was written. Molloy's MLB doesn't feel major at all, but rather an amateurish club with no hint of becoming the bureaucratic juggernaut it is today. And Russia, while still an adversary, seems to have been much closer to Boris and Natasha than to Putin.

Molloy ignores a lot. And why shouldn't it? This is basically a cartoon. But it's also weirdly what people seem to talk about when nostalgia for a better America takes over. The world where a plucky secretary or ballplayer could get one over on the Evil Empire never really existed, but it troubles me to think people believe it did.

P.S.: Go Cubs!

[Simon Kirkendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book and concept.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story of love, friendship, patriotism and the joy of sport. Go White Sox!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and enjoyable read, fun characters to root for and fun characters to root against.

[Phungo2008 Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny, interesting peek into cold war views on communism.

baseball details are a bit wonky sometimes.

[Dave McFadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous easy read.

[T.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pennant for the Kremlin is a fun read. It's very much a product of its time and packed with stock characters and stereotypes, but it delivers an entertaining story that's well written and often very funny. I'd love to see it made into a period film.