richardaskwith.com

I never meant to write a book about horse-racing.  Nor – after “Today We Die A Little” – did I mean to write another book with a Czech hero. Then I came across the story of Lata Brandisová. It was simply too good to leave untold.

It’s set in what used to be Czechoslovakia. Its defining scene takes place in October 1937. Europe’s youngest, most idealistic 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 growing ever more 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. Arduous and absurdly dangerous, the race is considered Europe’s ultimate test of manhood and fighting spirit. The Nazis, as usual, have sent their paramilitary elite: SS and SA officers schooled to be Hitler’s most ruthless enforcers. Their mission: to crush and humiliate – yet again – the people they despise as “subhuman Slavs”. The local cavalry officers have no hope of stopping them.

But there is one other contestant: a middle-aged, silver-haired countess riding a little golden mare…

The story of Lata Brandisová is one of the strangest and most inspiring – and most undeservedly forgotten – in all sporting history. Born into privilege, she spent much of her life in poverty. Modest and shy, she none the less refused to accept the constraints society placed on her because of her gender. Instead, with quiet, stubborn 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, first from one totalitarian regime and then from another. Her achievements were erased from history, and her story, as a result, has never been fully told before.

Unbreakable is a tale of courage, heartbreak and defiance, in an age of prejudice and fear. In the background are forces – sexism, class hatred, nationalism – whose shadows darken today’s world too. In the foreground are eccentric aristocrats, socialite spies, daredevil jockeys – and a race so brutal that some consider merely taking part in it a sign of insanity. At its heart is a unique hero – and a unique love affair between a woman and a horse.

What they’re saying:

“One of the most remarkable racing stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading” – James Crispe, Thoroughbred Owner/Breeder

“A fabulously written book about a remarkable lady. A must-read for National Hunt enthusiasts” – James Fry, International Racing Bureau

“Heart-stopping reading that left me in tears… An extraordinary story of an exceptionally courageous woman who needs to be remembered and deserves to be celebrated.” – Clover Stroud, Daily Telegraph

“Astonishing, inspiring, sad… I found it utterly compelling” – Rose Paterson, chairwoman, Aintree Racecourse

“Fascinating” – Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail

“Thrilling” – Wall Street Journal

“A racing story of Hollywood proportions…  [This] thoroughly researched, deeply moving account does justice to a remarkable life” – John Cobb, Racing Post

“[An] extraordinary story… Askwith’s compelling book, as much about 20th-century history and women’s equality as it is about racing, is a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable and courageous woman” – Camilla Swift, Mail on Sunday

“Lata Brandisová… overcame massive gender prejudice to compete in the world’s most dangerous horse race, becoming a national heroine by going on to triumph in it over the sporting elite of Hitler’s Germany… The Czech nation will surely feel that [Richard Askwith] has done her justice” – Robin Oakley, Literary Review

“Magnificent… As thrilling a description of a horse-race as you’re likely to find on paper” – Strong Words

“An inspiring story of an indomitable spirit” – Nick Pitt, Sunday Times (Best Books of 2019)

“What an amazing story – uplifting but tragic. I really enjoyed it. I cannot believe that someone hasn’t snapped up the film rights” – Paul Hawksbee, TalkSport (“Hawksbee & Jacobs”)

“All the ingredients of a compulsive page-turner: an aristocratic heroine; a broken country; henchmen of the Third Reich; and an extraordinary horse… A thrilling story that I can only recommend you read” – The Field

“Vivid, stirring stuff” – History Revealed

“Outstanding” – Dostihový svět

“A riveting story” – Aktuálně

“What a great story, one worthy of the silver screen… The finish will bring a lump to your throat” – South Wales Evening Post

“It’s like a National Velvet story but better because it’s true, and who doesn’t love a story where a woman shows up the Nazis?” – Susan Friedland Smith, Saddle Seeks Horse (“20 Horse Books to Read in 2020”)

“What a fantastic story – it would make a thrilling film” – Jilly Cooper, novelist

“Inspiring, heartbreaking… an intense roller-coaster from start to finish” – Publishers Weekly

“Unbreakable reads like the purest page-turning thriller. Boasting a cast of unforgettable characters, Askwith’s elegantly written account enthrals from first page to last” – Waterstones Sport

Reviews:

Read Clover Stroud’s review of Unbreakable in the Daily Telegraph (30 March 2019) here.

Read James Crispe’s review of Unbreakable in Thoroughbred Owner/Breeder magazine (February 2019) here.

Awards etc:

Unbreakable was named Biography of the Year at the 2020 Telegraph Sports Book Awards. Awarding the prize, judge Annie Vernon said: “Not only was this incredibly impressive in terms of the amount of work Richard Askwith would have done… but… what a fascinating story: a story which… deserved to be told and needed to be made public.” You should be able to see my short acceptance video here.

Unbreakable also won an international WINNIE Literary Award, for best historical work, at the 2020 Equus Film & Arts Festival. You can see me being interviewed for the festival about writing the book here.

Unbreakable had previously been long-listed for the 2019 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

Adaptations etc:

Unbreakable is currently being developed as a film by Eva Vik and Daniel Olson.

Background:

Read my article about Lata for the Sunday Telegraph here. 

Hear, or read, my interview with Radio Prague (in English) here.

Hear me interviewed (and reading passages from the book) on Susan Jamieson’s Zoomer Radio show here.

Events:

Find information about forthcoming events at which I will be discussing Lata and Unbreakable here.

Buy: