Rough Magic
Riding the world’s wildest horse race
The extraordinary story of Lara Prior-Palmer's unlikely victory in the world's toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby, retracing the footsteps of Genghis Khan's route across Mongolia as she undertakes a remarkable journey of self-discovery.
A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICKWINNER STANFORD TRAVEL WRITING AWARDS 2020SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL PRIZE 2019'Such an addictive and likeable book...One of this year's best memoirs' The Telegraph'It's the resistance to the obvious narratives that makes Rough Magic so appealing: the book undermines lazy women-in-the-wilderness tropes at every turn.' Sarah Moss, Guardian'Think Educated meets Wild' Entertainment Weekly'Rough Magic is transporting, beguiling and terrifically entertaining' Daily Mail
The Mongol Derby is the world's toughest horse race. A feat of endurance across the vast Mongolian plains once traversed by the people of Genghis Khan, competitors ride 25 horses across a distance of 1000km. Many riders don't make it to the finish line.
In 2013 Lara Prior-Palmer - nineteen, underprepared but seeking the great unknown - decided to enter the race. Driven by her own restlessness, stubbornness, and a lifelong love of horses, she raced for seven days through extreme heat and terrifying storms, catching a few hours of sleep where she could at the homes of nomadic families. Battling bouts of illness and dehydration, exhaustion and bruising falls, she found she had nothing to lose, and tore through the field with her motley crew of horses. In one of the Derby's most unexpected results, she became the youngest-ever champion and the first woman to win the race.
A tale of adventure, fortitude and poetry, Rough Magic is the extraordinary story of one young woman's encounter with oblivion, and herself.
- Published: 6 June 2019
- ISBN: 9781473558380
- Imprint: Ebury Digital
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 336
Think the next Educated or Wild. Palmer’s memoir of beating the odds to become a horse champion is an inspiring saga of perseverance — and a classic underdog tale.
Entertainment Weekly
Prior-Palmer's style is a fascinating mix of pep and poignancy. A really terrific story by a spirited new voice.
Sara Baume
[Prior-Palmer's] gorgeous, sensual depiction of this race is a literary marvel; it feels like you are riding alongside her across the desolate steppes; her verbal acuity makes vivid the most elusive of landscapes; her triumph becomes ours.
NYLON
In this sensual, spiritual memoir, Prior-Palmer recounts her grueling journey through immense physical hardship, and her surprising transformation from underdog to champion
Esquire
Absolutely riveting.
Buzzfeed
Filled with soulful self-reflection and race detail, this fast-paced page-turner is a thrill ride from start to finish.
Publishers Weekly
Feisty and exhilarating . . . Horse lovers will adore this inspiring and spirited memoir.
Kirkus Reviews
Prior-Palmer may be a gifted equestrian, but also she’s a born writer. . . . The journey, told through Prior Palmer’s voice, would’ve been interesting even without the satisfaction of victory
Refinery 29
Prior-Palmer writes with a dash and boldness few writers possess. . . Her narrative alchemy is remarkable
NPR
Such an addictive and likeable book. It’s not really about horse riding. It’s about female nonconformity and a desire to plug into the thrills and torments of existence *****
The Telegraph
An astonishing and hair-raising memoir that you, too, will race to finish.
Newsweek
A riot.
Metro
It’s the resistance to the obvious narratives that makes Rough Magic so appealing: the book undermines lazy women-in-the-wilderness tropes at every turn.
Sarah Moss, Guardian
Rough Magic is transporting, beguiling and terrifically entertaining.
Daily Mail
A heroic tale beautifully told
TLS
