I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve always thought rowing was a fairly straight-forward sport (pun intended), but I have far more appreciation for it, and the individuals who participate in it, having read this book. Brown takes the reader on a journey from Seattle to Berlin for an incredible feat in 1936 I never knew had happened.
Through interviews, extensive research and insightfully sensitive writing, Brown brings to life the story of Joe Rantz and the boys of the Washington rowing team. While it does heavily pertain to Rantz’s life, Brown seamlessly works in the historical context of the lead-up to the 1936 Olympics as well as technical information and context around rowing as a sport and as a skill. Through Joe’s life, Brown touches on the realities of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and the resilience needed to overcome intense poverty. Joe’s story does ring with the notion of American grit and “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps”, but it is also a humble story, one that demonstrates the importance of love, support, and trust.
I am absolutely blown away by the perseverance shown by the Washington crew, in life as well as in the shell (look at me being all technical), and was constantly impressed by their sheer drive and tenacity. It was interesting to see the specific ways the Pacific Northwest was impacted by the Depression and I enjoyed learning about the development and history of that area as well as more behind-the-scenes of how Germany, quite literally, set the stage for the Olympics.
By the end I was starting to tear up a bit, an unexpected emotion since I wasn’t particularly interested in rowing at the beginning of the book, but I think that’s the beauty of Brown’s storytelling; you’re invested in the people who make up the shell just as much as the result at the end of the book.
2% Rating: 9/10
Recommend? Absolutely
Re-Read? Once was maybe enough, but wow what a read.
Time: 1:54