The Rider by Tim Krabbe Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Rider
Book Review: A Small Gem
Summary: 5 Stars
I had to look twice to make sure The Rider wasn't written by Albert Camus. It has the same spare, elegant prose, the same sense of alienation and introspection as The Stranger. If you've ever been a solo athlete of any kind, such as a cyclist or triathlete, or know someone who has been, this is a must read.Book Review: A must read for any cyclist...0r any non cyclist!
Summary: 5 Stars
Even though this book takes place way before the advent of power meters and 5 thousand dollar bike frames it's as relevant today as it was in the 70's. A perfect picture of the struggle and triumph that occurs several times over in a bike race and in life. Even if you have never pinned a number to a jersey at 7am and thought "Why do I do this to myself?" as you rolled up to the starting line you will be drawn in. A great story and strong motivation to throw your leg over that top tube and ride into the unknown.Book Review: A quick and somewhat interesting read.
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this book a very quick easy read - and it kept my attention. There was a point where it was hard for me to put down near the end. Being new to road cycling this year (generally ride mountain - which I still prefer...) I found it an interesting view into what other riders may be thinking when dropping me on a climb. There is humor in the comments Krabbe makes and the manner in which he frames things.Book Review: Best Bike Racing Book?
Summary: 3 Stars
The Rider probably is the best-written novel on bike racing, edging out Ralph Hurne's The Yellow Jersey, but that could be damning with faint praise. If you're a fan of bike racing you should enjoy this book, but as a fan of books, I was often frustrated by the fact this this was so close to being utterly brilliant, but somehow fell short. I'm going to assume it is because the work was translated, but perhaps not. Perhaps it is brilliant, and I need to read it again. As it stands I enjoyed this book, and often found myself smiling (Krabbe clearly knows amateur bike racing and isn't faking knowledge the way so many thriller writers do when they botch scenes involving ordnance, for example) but for me the experience never produced the aesthetic moment wherein the story elevated itself to art. Krabbe's style is typically stark, and effective. It would be easy to parody. If you have seen the original version of The Vanishing and the U.S. version than you know how Krabbe's work was somehow dumbed-down for Hollywood. I have a suspicion that is what happened with the translated version of this novel. A good book, but certainly not a great book. For overall cycling enjoyment I'd recommend James Starrs anthology on cycling The Noiseless Tenor. Still, this is vastly superior to anything anyone in the U.S. has produced on bike racing.Book Review: Best book about bike racing - ever.
Summary: 5 Stars
In today's dark days of bike racing doping scandals, this book will make you remember why this beautiful sport once captivated Europe. A blast to read. If you've never ridden a bike it will make you feel the magic. If you've ridden it will make you want to race. If you've raced, it will make you smile from ear to ear.