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Unbreakable
Czechoslovakia, October 1937. Europe’s youngest democracy is on its knees. Millions are mourning the death of the nation’s founding father, the saintly Tomáš Masaryk. Across the border, the Third Reich is menacing – and plotting to invade.
In the Czechoslovak heartlands, vast crowds have gathered to watch the threatened nation’s most prestigious sporting contest: the Grand Pardubice steeplechase. Notoriously dangerous, the race is considered the ultimate test of manhood and fighting spirit. The Nazis, as usual, have sent their paramilitary elite: SS officers schooled to be Hitler’s most ruthless enforcers. Their mission: to crush – yet again – the “subhuman Slavs”. The local cavalry officers have no hope of stopping them.
But there is one other contestant: a silver-haired countess riding a little golden mare…
The story of Lata Brandisová is one of the strangest and most inspiring in all sport. Born into privilege, she spent much of her life in poverty. Modest and shy, she refused to accept the constraints society placed on her because of her gender. Instead, with quiet courage, she repeatedly achieved what others said was impossible. The scandal of her first attempt to ride in Pardubice reverberated across Europe. Ten years later, she became her nation’s figurehead in its darkest hour. Then came retribution…
In the Czechoslovak heartlands, vast crowds have gathered to watch the threatened nation’s most prestigious sporting contest: the Grand Pardubice steeplechase. Notoriously dangerous, the race is considered the ultimate test of manhood and fighting spirit. The Nazis, as usual, have sent their paramilitary elite: SS officers schooled to be Hitler’s most ruthless enforcers. Their mission: to crush – yet again – the “subhuman Slavs”. The local cavalry officers have no hope of stopping them.
But there is one other contestant: a silver-haired countess riding a little golden mare…
The story of Lata Brandisová is one of the strangest and most inspiring in all sport. Born into privilege, she spent much of her life in poverty. Modest and shy, she refused to accept the constraints society placed on her because of her gender. Instead, with quiet courage, she repeatedly achieved what others said was impossible. The scandal of her first attempt to ride in Pardubice reverberated across Europe. Ten years later, she became her nation’s figurehead in its darkest hour. Then came retribution…
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 22, 2019
Unbreakable
by Richard Askwith
This story has 2 main characters.
The first is Velka Pardubicka a Steeplechase course in Czechoslovakia. The course even today is considered the world’s most challenging, difficult, and dangerous Steeplechase course. It was created by Oktavian Kinsky and first run in 1874.
The other character is Lata Brandisova a Czechoslovakian woman known for her love of horses and her horsemanship. She is a Steeplechase rider, but she has to fight a long battle to be able to ride in these races. She first raced in 1927.
Then came 1937. Czechoslovakia was one of the only democratic governments in Central Europe. Its leader, Thomas Masaryk, a much loved figure died in early October just weeks prior to the running of the Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase. Lata would be riding in this race again after several times since 1927. This race would feature a strong group of Nazi riders who, racing for the glory of Hitler’s Reich, were out to prove their superiority over the small Czech nation. However, this was Lata’s year. She became the only woman to win the Velka Pardubicka. It is described as a “moment in the tragedy of the 20th century when all too many Europeans failed to rise to the challenge of their times, and Lata found herself riding with the hopes of a doomed nation — and a failing democratic project — on her shoulders.” (page 9)
The story is wonderful on 2 levels. First as a story of an underdog winning a contest. In this case a true David and Goliath (or perhaps better described as a Diana and Goliath) story. Who doesn’t love reading about the victory of a person given little chance of winning.
The second level is the success of a woman earning the right to participate in a previously considered men’s only competition. The Steeplechase, especially in the early years was considered training and proof of a man’s military readiness. The mettle of a man in that time was frequently contested and questioned. Entering and riding in this race were said to be proof enough of a man’s courage. This was the challenge and obstacle facing Lata as she first attempted to persuade people to allow her to run and to eventually win this race.
The last hundred pages or so are a history of Czechoslovakia after the end of World War II. After once again reading about the horrors of the Nazi occupation, this time it’s the Communists that inflict their evil on the population. We read how Lata and her family are stripped of their land, their home, and their money.
However there is a gem in this section. There is an excellent essay on gender equality at the end of this book. In this year when there are highly qualified women running to be the Democratic Presidential Candidate, there is a wonderful quote. As Lata so eloquently proved in her Steeplechase win “You need balls, but not a penis.” (Page 326).
by Richard Askwith
This story has 2 main characters.
The first is Velka Pardubicka a Steeplechase course in Czechoslovakia. The course even today is considered the world’s most challenging, difficult, and dangerous Steeplechase course. It was created by Oktavian Kinsky and first run in 1874.
The other character is Lata Brandisova a Czechoslovakian woman known for her love of horses and her horsemanship. She is a Steeplechase rider, but she has to fight a long battle to be able to ride in these races. She first raced in 1927.
Then came 1937. Czechoslovakia was one of the only democratic governments in Central Europe. Its leader, Thomas Masaryk, a much loved figure died in early October just weeks prior to the running of the Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase. Lata would be riding in this race again after several times since 1927. This race would feature a strong group of Nazi riders who, racing for the glory of Hitler’s Reich, were out to prove their superiority over the small Czech nation. However, this was Lata’s year. She became the only woman to win the Velka Pardubicka. It is described as a “moment in the tragedy of the 20th century when all too many Europeans failed to rise to the challenge of their times, and Lata found herself riding with the hopes of a doomed nation — and a failing democratic project — on her shoulders.” (page 9)
The story is wonderful on 2 levels. First as a story of an underdog winning a contest. In this case a true David and Goliath (or perhaps better described as a Diana and Goliath) story. Who doesn’t love reading about the victory of a person given little chance of winning.
The second level is the success of a woman earning the right to participate in a previously considered men’s only competition. The Steeplechase, especially in the early years was considered training and proof of a man’s military readiness. The mettle of a man in that time was frequently contested and questioned. Entering and riding in this race were said to be proof enough of a man’s courage. This was the challenge and obstacle facing Lata as she first attempted to persuade people to allow her to run and to eventually win this race.
The last hundred pages or so are a history of Czechoslovakia after the end of World War II. After once again reading about the horrors of the Nazi occupation, this time it’s the Communists that inflict their evil on the population. We read how Lata and her family are stripped of their land, their home, and their money.
However there is a gem in this section. There is an excellent essay on gender equality at the end of this book. In this year when there are highly qualified women running to be the Democratic Presidential Candidate, there is a wonderful quote. As Lata so eloquently proved in her Steeplechase win “You need balls, but not a penis.” (Page 326).
June 16, 2021
I enjoyed the writer’s style, more storytelling than dry facts. Because I’m interested in history and horses, this was a great book for me. Without those interests, others might not be as big a fan.
September 20, 2020
Hats or jockey's helmets off to Askwith for this splendid, engrossing and touching tale of a remarkable woman Countess Lata Brandisova. The Pardubice would not be many sane people's choice of breaking down barriers...some literally...but Lata took up the challenge with gusto and conquered it putting not only the men -- who were totally against women riding competitively -- and some diehard SS riders in their place. Where Jesse Owens ridiculed the idea of the Aryan super race in athletics so Lata did the same in the most fearsome race of them all. The only woman to do so to date. Askwith brings the story brilliantly to life and that without much to go on. Fascinating that English riders, trainers and stable lads were the backbone initially of racing in Czechoslovakia during the Habsburg Empire or that a Hungarian was the first foreigner to try to win the Grand National. He is also adept at bringing the story forward and the magnetism of the race to those hardy souls such as Englishman Chris Collins who won it during the Cold War -- 'I thought I was seen as a degenerate capitalist' but when he won "they were very friendly and seemed especially happy I was not Russian'...he won 100,000 crowns and a motorbike -- or the daredevil Charlie Mann who though banned from riding in England in 1987 due to a broken neck took on the great race "If I want to kill myself in Czechoslovakia, that's my business".....printed his own licence and came second in 1994 on a horse he described "as slow as a hearse" ...the Jockey Club learning of this fined him £1000 but the indefatigable Mann printed another licence and returned in 1995 and duly won it. Lata's story, though, rightly dominates the book and her courage and spirit refused even to be broken by the Nazis and then the Communist regime that tried to take everything away from her and her family...materially they could but not mentally...she remained unbowed. A wonderful lady -- one wonders if she might have tried her hand at the Grand National had she been allowed or war not intervened in a race that still eludes a female winner -- and a terrific story beautifully told and written. Huge gratitude is owed to Askwith for bringing this story to the world's attention.
January 1, 2020
I found this to be a rather dry read, more history than biography with Lata Brandisova prominently featured. While I got a good understanding of the times and existing social structure, Lata seemed more of a faint presence through most of the read. I wanted to know more of her thoughts and feelings, but as a well documented history, they were beyond the scope of the book.
October 24, 2019
Lata Brandisova, you were a big damn hero. And you paid the price. You suffered your hurt, hunger, poverty, and rejection with more grace than the world merited.
July 12, 2020
Pro mě velká srdeční záležitost. ❤️ A na Latu Brandisovou by se nemělo zapomenout. ☝🏻
January 20, 2023
An inspiring book about an amazing woman. A Czechoslovakian countess by birth, Lata is no delicate spoiled rich girl, but a courageous and gracious lady who happens to adore horses. At first scorned for what critics thought was a foolhardy attempt to compete in the most grueling, dangerous horse race in the world, she proves her mettle and earns the respect of her competitors and countrymen.
Lata's life spans from pre-WWI through most of the 20th century. Things really get tough after WWII when the communists wind up taking over, the family loses its estate, home and everything in it they could not carry off to the tiny, shabby cottage where the 3 sisters take up a humble residence for most of the rest of their lives. Broken and broke thanks to horse racing and politics, Lata was never known to complain. She was a very devout Christian and seemed to keep closely in touch with God, which might explain her almost unbelievable strength.
As a former jockey and racehorse trainer myself, this book struck a chord with me. I also learned a lot about the history of Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic.
Lata's life spans from pre-WWI through most of the 20th century. Things really get tough after WWII when the communists wind up taking over, the family loses its estate, home and everything in it they could not carry off to the tiny, shabby cottage where the 3 sisters take up a humble residence for most of the rest of their lives. Broken and broke thanks to horse racing and politics, Lata was never known to complain. She was a very devout Christian and seemed to keep closely in touch with God, which might explain her almost unbelievable strength.
As a former jockey and racehorse trainer myself, this book struck a chord with me. I also learned a lot about the history of Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic.
March 21, 2020
Not really my type of read, but it was our book groups choice. I did learn about 1. steeplechasing 2. Czechoslovakian history, Hapsburgs thru WW1 and WW2 and into the Communist era and 3. about Lata Brandisová, a pretty amazing woman who won the Pardubice in 1937. This book took a while to get through, but glad I did.
November 22, 2020
In “Unbreakable: …,” Richard Askwith pieced together the almost forgotten story of Marie Immaculata Brandisová, known as “Lata,” a brave and determined woman whose perseverance led to an unimaginable victory against almost impossible odds. I had expected that this would be a heart-pounding story of athletic triumph along the lines of “The Boys in the Boat.” Instead it built slowly and painstakingly to the triumphant moment of Lata’s victory in the Velká Pardubická after several heroic earlier tries, and continued for decades after, until the time of her death.
Lata was born a countess in 1885, one of nine children in the financially challenged family of Count and Countess Brandis in what is now the Czech Republic. She wore her title lightly, maintaining a humble persona throughout her life, though her shyness was often construed as aloof superiority. The family fortunes, never equal to those of other noble families in their social strata, were put to increasingly severe tests over the years. The Central European Habsburg empire of Lata’s birth gradually declined and then collapsed under weak leadership and opposing factions until being overrun by Hitler’s Nazis just before the beginning of WWII.
This story explains the widespread fascination with the Velká Pardubická across much of Europe in Lata’s time. No country invested more national pride in its horsemanship than Germany, whose riders won races and top awards in nearly every competition they entered. Especially to Hitler, the Nazis, and the riders they sponsored, winning the Velká Pardubická was expected and became almost a given through several years of competing. When in 1937, Lata Brandisová and her gallant mount, Norma, won against the best racers in Hitler’s Nazi legions, she was celebrated a hero in her country while the Germans suffered deep humiliation by not just losing, but losing to a woman! Lata participated in the race several times after this, but never won again. She continued racing wherever she could for 12 more years, winning or placing in almost all. It was in a lesser race than Velká Pardubická in 1949 when Lata suffered a devastating accident that nearly killed her and ended her racing days for good.
Lata’s story was intricately woven through this scholarly historical biography. Exhaustively researched, the book included extensive deep background material. I found it a tough go wading through all the historical details, though it was an important factor in Lata’s life, her triumph, and her decline into oblivion and poverty at the end of her life. Because so little direct information exists about Lata and her life, much of the book was necessarily made up of conjecture and speculation. While always identified as such and resulting from multiple contemporaneous materials, it made the story feel somewhat lacking.
However, all that being said, this was a compelling story about a woman who was years ahead of her time in her fight to be allowed to participate equally in an all-male world where she was not only unwelcome, but roundly ostracized. As the author notes near the beginning of the story: “There are many reasons for rescuing Lata Brandisová’s story from oblivion. Only two really matter. She stood up for what was right and she was the rare kind of sporting hero who achieved what was generally agreed to be impossible.” Thank you, Richard Askwith, for this well-deserved and overdue homage to a world-class champion.
Lata was born a countess in 1885, one of nine children in the financially challenged family of Count and Countess Brandis in what is now the Czech Republic. She wore her title lightly, maintaining a humble persona throughout her life, though her shyness was often construed as aloof superiority. The family fortunes, never equal to those of other noble families in their social strata, were put to increasingly severe tests over the years. The Central European Habsburg empire of Lata’s birth gradually declined and then collapsed under weak leadership and opposing factions until being overrun by Hitler’s Nazis just before the beginning of WWII.
This story explains the widespread fascination with the Velká Pardubická across much of Europe in Lata’s time. No country invested more national pride in its horsemanship than Germany, whose riders won races and top awards in nearly every competition they entered. Especially to Hitler, the Nazis, and the riders they sponsored, winning the Velká Pardubická was expected and became almost a given through several years of competing. When in 1937, Lata Brandisová and her gallant mount, Norma, won against the best racers in Hitler’s Nazi legions, she was celebrated a hero in her country while the Germans suffered deep humiliation by not just losing, but losing to a woman! Lata participated in the race several times after this, but never won again. She continued racing wherever she could for 12 more years, winning or placing in almost all. It was in a lesser race than Velká Pardubická in 1949 when Lata suffered a devastating accident that nearly killed her and ended her racing days for good.
Lata’s story was intricately woven through this scholarly historical biography. Exhaustively researched, the book included extensive deep background material. I found it a tough go wading through all the historical details, though it was an important factor in Lata’s life, her triumph, and her decline into oblivion and poverty at the end of her life. Because so little direct information exists about Lata and her life, much of the book was necessarily made up of conjecture and speculation. While always identified as such and resulting from multiple contemporaneous materials, it made the story feel somewhat lacking.
However, all that being said, this was a compelling story about a woman who was years ahead of her time in her fight to be allowed to participate equally in an all-male world where she was not only unwelcome, but roundly ostracized. As the author notes near the beginning of the story: “There are many reasons for rescuing Lata Brandisová’s story from oblivion. Only two really matter. She stood up for what was right and she was the rare kind of sporting hero who achieved what was generally agreed to be impossible.” Thank you, Richard Askwith, for this well-deserved and overdue homage to a world-class champion.
February 1, 2020
Nutno poznamenat, že tahle kniha není pro každého. Jde o literaturu faktu, sice napsanou volnějším čtivým způsobem, ale čísla a data tu jsou ve velkém množství.
Je zajímavé, že tu knihu napsal zahraniční autor a že rovněž i mnohem dříve vyšla v zahraničí než u nás. Jde o životopisnou knihu nejslavnější české dostihové jezdkyně, která vyhrála Pardubickou. Je to hodně zajímavý pohled a náhled. Nejsem si jistá, zda nějaké to vyprávěni o Řiťce a jiných lokalitách v Česku bude pro Američany přínosem a něco jim to řekne. I proto chápu jejich hodnocení o třech hvězdičkách. Navíc, i když se autor snažil a pečlivě pracoval s podklady a jezdil tu, jako cizinec, který nezná mentalitu a neměla ani šanci poznat jisté věci, to bylo nepochopitelné a nemohl to prezentovat správně. Tak tomu i skutečně bylo. Nicméně i přes tyhle skutečnosti si ty 4* zaslouží. Je tam ohromný kus práce a je to hodně dobře zdokumentované a hodně vám to udělá obrázek i o dostizích, její rodině, Velké pardubické a tak.
Kniha je ale určena spíše nadšencům koní a dostihů. Trochu mi připomínala knihu o polském plavci Henry.
Je zajímavé, že tu knihu napsal zahraniční autor a že rovněž i mnohem dříve vyšla v zahraničí než u nás. Jde o životopisnou knihu nejslavnější české dostihové jezdkyně, která vyhrála Pardubickou. Je to hodně zajímavý pohled a náhled. Nejsem si jistá, zda nějaké to vyprávěni o Řiťce a jiných lokalitách v Česku bude pro Američany přínosem a něco jim to řekne. I proto chápu jejich hodnocení o třech hvězdičkách. Navíc, i když se autor snažil a pečlivě pracoval s podklady a jezdil tu, jako cizinec, který nezná mentalitu a neměla ani šanci poznat jisté věci, to bylo nepochopitelné a nemohl to prezentovat správně. Tak tomu i skutečně bylo. Nicméně i přes tyhle skutečnosti si ty 4* zaslouží. Je tam ohromný kus práce a je to hodně dobře zdokumentované a hodně vám to udělá obrázek i o dostizích, její rodině, Velké pardubické a tak.
Kniha je ale určena spíše nadšencům koní a dostihů. Trochu mi připomínala knihu o polském plavci Henry.
October 1, 2019
This is a beautifully written story about the first, and so far only, woman to have won the Velká Pardubická. I knew little about horseracing before reading this book, but I found that I didn't need any prior knowledge of the subject. It's detailed enough to give a clear picture of horseracing and life/history of the Czech Republic she still having an edge-of-your-seat story keeping me turning page-after-page until I finished the book. I highly recommend this to everyone. Lata's story is one that everyone should know about.
January 20, 2021
What a shame that she'd been mostly forgotten
November 16, 2021
Lata Brandisova's story is compelling and amazing. Born into privilege in Czechoslovakia in 1895 she witnessed the loss of her family fortune at an early age and survived two world wars, the Great Depression and Communist rule. But her life was truly about horses and that sustained her through the worst of times. The historic Grand Padubice Steeplechase became her holy grail. Described as the most challenging race in the world due to its terrain and monstrous jumps, it was solely the bastion of daredevil men...until Lata decided to break that barrier. Thoughout the 1930's she challenged the course, enduring cruel taunts and hostile actions from her fellow riders. As Naziism grew in power, the race became a showplace for Hitler's elite equestrian soldiers. Yet, Lata persisted. The partnerships she developed with her horses were her strength as she watched the world around her crumbling. She always ended up on the wrong side of the regime in power, whether it was the Nazis, the Bolsheviks or the Communists. Her successes were ultimately buried in the history of the race until Askwith uncovered it. The race is still run today yet very few of the modern participants were aware of the crucial role Lata played in its early 20th century history.
I did find the book a bit slow going. By necessity there is a huge amount of historical background which needs to be explained but there were times when I felt a little bogged down by some of the political backstory. Czechoslovakia's history is complicated, especially when discussing the various national movements and boundary disputes. The human toll of it all can be seen in the story of Lata and her friends and family. Theirs is a history filled with pride, suffering, betrayal and tradition.
I did find the book a bit slow going. By necessity there is a huge amount of historical background which needs to be explained but there were times when I felt a little bogged down by some of the political backstory. Czechoslovakia's history is complicated, especially when discussing the various national movements and boundary disputes. The human toll of it all can be seen in the story of Lata and her friends and family. Theirs is a history filled with pride, suffering, betrayal and tradition.
Want to read
January 15, 2022yay for her. I have been reading about Nazi occupation for 40 years and I'm always surprised at the death of new information. I don't know if this was in the archives and just revealed it sounds like it was. We will probably be reading new information for years to come and if it's not new exactly it will be anything that corroborates what we have already discovered to our great horror. This book is interesting because of the coverage of a different subject, namely, sports. I honestly don't even know what information I put in a search field to find this book but it was enlightening if it only corroborates what I already knew or had an awareness of prior to picking up this book. I think he makes some insinuations based on human psychology for example when he tries to interpret her feelings about people, events, politics, or simply her reactions to the things which define her. I think that is a natural inclination for an author. I think the reason we, and yes I include myself among the said group, make insinuations is that we can in some small way relate to the story being told even if it is only our gut reaction to it. overall, a good read.
March 2, 2020
Besides the obvious sport reportage of this thrilling event, the undercurrent is as historically interesting. Lata Brandisova is born a countess to a minor noble family in the Hapsburg Empire. By the end of her life through successive regimes she has lost her title, then her land and lastly her beloved chateau. and with 2 unmarried sisters is living in a very humble cottage in a wood with no running water.
How the aristocracy reacted to these severe events which changed Czechoslovakia from a near feudal society pre WW1 to the massive collectivisation of agriculture under Communism is a fascinating tale.
The nobility suffered under the disadvantage that their common language was German, while the ordinary folk spoke only Czech. This branded them as alien and lead many of them to welcome the occupation of their lands by the Third Reich. The enticements of collaboration were hard to resist.
Having said that our Heroine ,Lata, was a Czech patriot through and through, switching her language to Czech and determined to defeat The Aryan Germans competing against her.
How the aristocracy reacted to these severe events which changed Czechoslovakia from a near feudal society pre WW1 to the massive collectivisation of agriculture under Communism is a fascinating tale.
The nobility suffered under the disadvantage that their common language was German, while the ordinary folk spoke only Czech. This branded them as alien and lead many of them to welcome the occupation of their lands by the Third Reich. The enticements of collaboration were hard to resist.
Having said that our Heroine ,Lata, was a Czech patriot through and through, switching her language to Czech and determined to defeat The Aryan Germans competing against her.
April 19, 2020
Forgotten history brought to life
Found this when searching for books. Was interested immediately because of the horse connection. As a horse lover, I had heard of the Czech race years ago from a book including an essay from one of the British riders from the seventies. But I never knew about Lata and hadn't known a woman had won the race. I found the story fascinating and enjoyed the glimpse into a part of European history we don't often hear about. I also liked learning about the woman who came after Lata. We pretend to be so enlightened about equality but they seem to have a better grasp of equality in Paradubice. I would recommend this book to horse lovers and anyone interested in women's history as well as twentieth century history.
Found this when searching for books. Was interested immediately because of the horse connection. As a horse lover, I had heard of the Czech race years ago from a book including an essay from one of the British riders from the seventies. But I never knew about Lata and hadn't known a woman had won the race. I found the story fascinating and enjoyed the glimpse into a part of European history we don't often hear about. I also liked learning about the woman who came after Lata. We pretend to be so enlightened about equality but they seem to have a better grasp of equality in Paradubice. I would recommend this book to horse lovers and anyone interested in women's history as well as twentieth century history.
March 18, 2021
It was quite the adventure to go back to the early-mid 1900s when Lata Brandisová's opened the way for women to compete in the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase - still one of the most extreme steeplechases in the world. Fighting first for her spot in the race against men who wanted to keep her out in her first years attempting it, she then had to race against Nazis the year she won and almost certainly angered Hitler with her victory.
I don't often recommend horse racing books but this is one people should definitely read. I'd never heard about Lata until this book, which sadly was intentional - she was an enemy of sorts in her country after World War II and the government attempted to erase her from the (them) Czechoslovakia history books.
I don't often recommend horse racing books but this is one people should definitely read. I'd never heard about Lata until this book, which sadly was intentional - she was an enemy of sorts in her country after World War II and the government attempted to erase her from the (them) Czechoslovakia history books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2019
Heroine in Czech History. Woman Winner of the Velka Pardubika. The Worlds Toughest Steeplechase. At a Moment of Time. Which Created Much National Pride. Starts with Lata,s Early Days. From Being a Hero. To Be Snubbed and Left With Nothing. She Complains About Nothing. Author also Wrote Another Fine Book on Czech Athlete. Emil Zatopek. Much Research Done by the Writer. Plus Extensive Notes.
Every Czech I Know. Knows the History & Life of Lata Brandisova. Someone to Look Up to.
Plus Having Background Knowledge of the Subject . Really Enjoyed the Read. Wondering When Available In Czech. Plus Would Be Interested in the Czech General Viewpoint.
Every Czech I Know. Knows the History & Life of Lata Brandisova. Someone to Look Up to.
Plus Having Background Knowledge of the Subject . Really Enjoyed the Read. Wondering When Available In Czech. Plus Would Be Interested in the Czech General Viewpoint.
March 26, 2020
This book was a really enjoyable read. A biography of Lata Brandisová, the first and only woman to win the world's hardest horse race (the Grand Pardubice), it is also partially a history of Czechoslovakia and horse racing. Although this trio is not necessarily in my sphere of interests, Askwith writes engagingly about them, and the result is an underdog story that also throws horses, Nazis and Communists into the mix. The story has a poignant end - despite her accomplishments Lata died poor and in obscurity - but this book helps to rehabilitate her in horse-racing history, and it is one of those books that you are glad was written.
March 15, 2020
This book was wonderful. The author clearly admires his subject and did a great job of telling her story. The writing was well paced and he did a good job of balancing what is know about Lata against the times she lived in. You learn a lot about many subjects: Czechoslovakia, steeplechasing, WWI and WW2 and the rise of Communism, the history of gender equality in the horse world and more. Lata is an amazing woman who quietly showed the world what a woman could do, without ever throwing feminism in the faces of the men. Really a fascinating woman and one whose story is long overdue being told.
March 21, 2025
Brandisova was a remarkable woman who overcame cultural barriers at a critical moment of history. The author's admiration for his subject is palpable, and he paints a compelling portrait of her courageous, enigmatic spirit. When a reporter asked her why she was willing to put herself in such dangerous circumstances, she simply replied, "...I'm not all that attached to life."
-Tara Mcnabb
Read the full review at: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/review...
-Tara Mcnabb
Read the full review at: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/review...
January 14, 2020
I was quite disappointed in this biography. There is quite a bit of Czechoslovakian history, and way too much name dropping. Also, there is entirely too much speculation as to what may or may not have been in Lata’s mind, what may not have been the cultural and societal norms at the time. As a history major in college, and as a dressage rider, I expected to love this book. I had to force myself to finish it.
July 18, 2020
Something Different
It’s an interesting perspective on life before, during and after WW1 and WW2 in Czechoslovakia - as a noble woman. The history in this book is probably not well-known enough and should be told more. If you don’t enjoy history, this book might not be for you. If you do (and love horses) - it’s definitely worth your time.
It’s an interesting perspective on life before, during and after WW1 and WW2 in Czechoslovakia - as a noble woman. The history in this book is probably not well-known enough and should be told more. If you don’t enjoy history, this book might not be for you. If you do (and love horses) - it’s definitely worth your time.
February 26, 2022
Wow, I loved the story of Lata Brandisová, Norma, and the cast of family and friends surrounding her. The story is both uplifting in her 1937 victory and sad in how the rest of her history played out. It's brilliantly written by Richard Askwith and one we all need to share so that Lata can be remembered as the hero she was.
October 4, 2019
The story is interesting in spots, but lingers too long, becoming a journey that never really arrives at a destination ... The heroine depicted here and her sisters, however, are women and their guts and character and pride in country define the concept of courage and are in every way admirable
December 10, 2019
A wonderful story of a woman who was ahead of her time as well as the history of Bohemia before, during and after World War II. This was a different time which has now past but which I found really relevant as part of my ancestry is from this part of the world.
March 15, 2020
Odhodlání dát dohromady střípky jednoho neuvěřitelně zajímavého života dalo vzniknout knížce, která je must-read pro každého milovníka koní a Velké pardubické. Dozvěděla jsem se o životním osudu jediné vítězky Velké pardubické, který by dost možná postupně upadl v zapomění, nebýt téhle knížky.
June 1, 2021
Astonishing story
This is an astonishing story of an amazing lady who clearly deserves to me more well known than she is. I didn't always enjoy how this was written, but I am so grateful to the author for telling it.
This is an astonishing story of an amazing lady who clearly deserves to me more well known than she is. I didn't always enjoy how this was written, but I am so grateful to the author for telling it.
October 13, 2025
Příběh doby v jednom lidském osudu. Vzpomínala jsem včera u Velké pardubické, kde je od roku 2015 Latě Brandisové věnován dostih klisen. Je opravdu dobré si připomínat některé úseky dějin, aby se už nemusely opakovat.
January 24, 2020
I liked the story and learned a lot about the time period, but he could have cut a lot of meandering.
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