THE RINGS OF DESTINY

by Olga Connolly ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 17, 1968

Boy hammerthrower meets girl discus thrower. . . the setting is Melbourne, Australia, 1956 and it's an Olympian love story. Because Harold was an American and Olga was from Communist Czechoslovakia. They both won their events but almost lost each other in a series of political repercussions that made international headlines. It didn't help that Olga was from an ""unreliable"" family (her father had lost his Army commission and had once been jailed for suspected ""reactionary"" sentiments). As Olga tells the story of her background one gets a very clear picture of what it's like to live under the strictures of such a regime. . . but then there were the Olympics and the moments of glory. Later, heaven and earthly wise diplomacy helped Harold come to Prague and finally convince the authorities to let them marry. The ceremony was a cause for a country wide celebration -- mobs in the street and churches (double vows Catholic and Protestant). Even the New York Times editorialized a benediction. Truly the Romeo and Juliet of the track--with a happy ending and it's so nice to read about East and West getting together for a change.

Pub Date: June 17, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McKay

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION