The Batmaker of Copenhagen
The Story of Cricket's Second World War Hero
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Pitch Publishing Ltd
Published:1st Apr '24
Should be back in stock very soon
The Batmaker of Copenhagen is the inspiring story of a cricketing hero who defied the German occupation to keep cricket alive throughout the Nazi occupation of Denmark during the Second World War.
With Copenhagen under the iron grip of the Gestapo, and German U-boats preventing any supplies coming in from England, a humble cricket scorer sets out on an improbable and dangerous quest to find willow and produce his own cricket bats.
Scouring the length and breadth of the country, hounded by Gestapo spies, and risking everything for the game he loves, the 'Batmaker' undertakes his mission under the very noses of the city's oppressors.
His nemesis, a Gestapo chief by the name of 'Lucifer', begins a quest of his own to crush the resistance in a battle of wills that shapes the course of the war. Based on a true story, this uplifting tale of passion and patriotism brings cricket and espionage together in a unique and gripping thriller.
"Absolutely superb read... very evocative, really paints a picture of wartime Denmark. A very, very good... fast-paced, cat and mouse thriller."
* Phoenix FM *"An excellent and thought provoking read."
-- Martin Chandler * CricketWeb *"I cannot recommend this enough... Brooks mixes historical fact with fiction like a batter mixes singles with boundaries in a well crafted innings to create an equally well crafted novel. If the hero had been searching for the materials to make tennis racquets, shuttle cocks or even bowling balls, the story would have been equally gripping and beautiful."
* Deep Extra Cover *"The narrative is absorbing... the hero comes across as an ordinary guy on an extraordinary mission."
-- Allan Martin * Aspects of History *"Thoroughly entertaining... an uplifting tale of human spirit [and] well paced, stirring story."
* The Cricketer *"Splendid, a rollicking romp of a read... has an elegiac sadness and a spirituality to it."
-- Dan Norcross * Test Match Special and Surrey Cricket TV commentator *"A thoroughly engrossing read [and] compelling story beautifully told... Tim's deep love of the game shines from every page."
-- Jake Perry * Emerging CrickISBN: 9781801506977
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages