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

Rough Magic is a memoir by Lara Prior-Palmer that was shortlisted for the William Hill Prize 2019 and won the Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2020. It tells the story of her journey to enter the Mongol Derby, the world's toughest horse race, and her unexpected victory as the youngest-ever champion and the first woman to win the race. The book is praised for its resistance to lazy women-in-the-wilderness tropes and its portrayal of adventure, fortitude, and poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Rough Magic is a captivating and endearing book that has been recognized with numerous awards. It has been selected as a book club pick by Richard and Judy, and it has also been shortlisted for the prestigious William Hill Prize 2019. The book has received widespread praise for its unique and captivating storytelling style.

One of the standout features of Rough Magic is its resistance to the conventional narratives associated with women in the wilderness. The book challenges and undermines lazy tropes at every turn, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the genre.

Sarah Moss, a renowned critic, described the book as "addictive and likeable," highlighting its ability to captivate readers from the very first page. She also praised its portrayal of women, noting that it presents them as strong and independent characters who are capable of achieving great things on their own terms.

Rough Magic is a memoir that follows the journey of Lara Prior-Palmer, a nineteen-year-old woman who embarks on a daring adventure to enter the world's toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby. The race spans a distance of 1000km across the vast Mongolian plains, and only a few riders manage to complete it. Despite being underprepared and lacking experience, Lara is driven by her own restlessness, stubbornness, and a lifelong love of horses.

In the face of extreme heat, terrifying storms, and bouts of illness and dehydration, Lara perseveres through the race with her motley crew of horses. She faces exhaustion, bruising falls, and moments of doubt, but she refuses to give up. With unwavering determination, she tears through the field, defying expectations and becoming the youngest-ever champion of the Mongol Derby.

Rough Magic is not only a tale of adventure, but also of fortitude and poetry. Lara's journey through the Mongolian plains is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape, the people she meets, and the challenges she faces. The book weaves together adventure, introspection, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, creating a truly extraordinary and unforgettable story.

In conclusion, Rough Magic is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, memoirs, or stories that challenge conventional narratives. It is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit to overcome adversity. Lara Prior-Palmer's journey is an inspiration to all, and her book will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and filled with a sense of wonder.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785038860