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The Gambler's Game: Based on the True Story of the Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo
Based on the True Story of the Only American to Break the Bank at Monte Carlo.
In the twilight of the 19th century, as the Old West collides with the opulence of the Gilded Age, one man embarks on a journey that will redefine his life. The Gambler's Game is a captivating historical fiction saga that follows the extraordinary life of a mid-western baseball player turned high-stakes gambler. His audacious spirit leads him from the dust chocked plains to the refined ambiance of English garden parties and the allure of Belle Epoque Monte Carlo.
This romantic and fast-paced tale will transport you to a time when anything was possible, where dreams were chased, and risks were taken.
This is a story of self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. The Gambler's Game lures readers into a realm where the echoes of gunshots meet the clinking of champagne glasses, and the magnificent network of railways and steamships takes the reader on grand adventures.
Bill ultimately finds himself torn between his love of gambling and a woman who might make him give it all up.
Bill and Frances' characters are featured in the movie Downton A New Era (Carnival Films, 2022).
In the twilight of the 19th century, as the Old West collides with the opulence of the Gilded Age, one man embarks on a journey that will redefine his life. The Gambler's Game is a captivating historical fiction saga that follows the extraordinary life of a mid-western baseball player turned high-stakes gambler. His audacious spirit leads him from the dust chocked plains to the refined ambiance of English garden parties and the allure of Belle Epoque Monte Carlo.
This romantic and fast-paced tale will transport you to a time when anything was possible, where dreams were chased, and risks were taken.
This is a story of self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. The Gambler's Game lures readers into a realm where the echoes of gunshots meet the clinking of champagne glasses, and the magnificent network of railways and steamships takes the reader on grand adventures.
Bill ultimately finds himself torn between his love of gambling and a woman who might make him give it all up.
Bill and Frances' characters are featured in the movie Downton A New Era (Carnival Films, 2022).
430 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 29, 2024
Such a fascinating read this was, based on the life of Bill Darnborough - the aspiring and ambitious 1880s baseball pitcher who goes on to break the bank at Monte Carlo. The author (and Darnborough's grandson), deftly weaves an engaging story of his grandfather's talents, resourcefulness and sheer chutzpah as he moves from being an American baseball hopeful to international gambling sensation.
The first half of the book shares the background of Bill Darnborough as he leaves home at an early age, pursuing his passion for baseball and facing life's challenges, joys and occasional disappointments. The latter half follows Bill as he makes his way across the Atlantic to Monte Carlo where his fame as a professional roulette player blossoms and his skill honed.
This was a beautifully written homage to a great man who though larger than life, he was a driven, focused and generous man. The writing is rich and well crafted. The scene settings are cinematic in scope and the characters are well developed. Every detail was carefully and thoughtfully delivered. If American sports and/or gambling history interests you, then you would be well served to grab a copy of this book and let it transport you back to the turn of the last century. I myself, thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
I am grateful to Pinewood Media for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Pinewood Media
Publication Date: February 12, 2024
No. of pages: 430 pages
ISBN: 978-0997134056
The first half of the book shares the background of Bill Darnborough as he leaves home at an early age, pursuing his passion for baseball and facing life's challenges, joys and occasional disappointments. The latter half follows Bill as he makes his way across the Atlantic to Monte Carlo where his fame as a professional roulette player blossoms and his skill honed.
This was a beautifully written homage to a great man who though larger than life, he was a driven, focused and generous man. The writing is rich and well crafted. The scene settings are cinematic in scope and the characters are well developed. Every detail was carefully and thoughtfully delivered. If American sports and/or gambling history interests you, then you would be well served to grab a copy of this book and let it transport you back to the turn of the last century. I myself, thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
I am grateful to Pinewood Media for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Pinewood Media
Publication Date: February 12, 2024
No. of pages: 430 pages
ISBN: 978-0997134056
April 25, 2024
A thrilling historical fiction novel which transports the reader to glamorous (and less so) locations at incredible turning points. I can't wait to see this on film!
April 20, 2024
First Read Winner ~ Awesome story. I very much enjoyed reading this book.
May 6, 2024
This book is based on the story of the author’s grandfather, William Darnborough, who played professional baseball in the 1880s and learned the nuances of gambling in Denver, Colorado, including visiting the infamous Soapy Smith casino. Bill had some hair-raising adventures, but his primary goal was to live a successful life filled with adventure. He had an even temperament and a natural ability to know when to step away from the roulette table. He studied the nuances of the roulette game before placing any bets. There are so many interesting side interests, including early automobile racing, that I could hardly put the book down. Since I lived in Denver, Colorado, for almost two decades, it was interesting to recognize references to localities. I knew I walked the same streets as William Darnborough more than a century later. Now, if only I could get to Monte Carlo!
April 21, 2024
Wonderful read!
“The Gambler’s Game: Based on the True Story of The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by James Darnborough is a beautifully written, well researched, and fun to read novel. Darnborough’s descriptive storytelling keeps you engaged and eager to turn every page. This is truly a great tale for everyone!
“The Gambler’s Game: Based on the True Story of The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by James Darnborough is a beautifully written, well researched, and fun to read novel. Darnborough’s descriptive storytelling keeps you engaged and eager to turn every page. This is truly a great tale for everyone!
April 13, 2024
Must-Read Adventure
This historical tale chronicles the author's grandfather's captivating life, from the 1880s baseball to the California gold rush and beyond, this book delivers a great tale. Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, this book offers something for everyone, from gambling psychology to high society romance. I highly recommend this must-read adventure!
This historical tale chronicles the author's grandfather's captivating life, from the 1880s baseball to the California gold rush and beyond, this book delivers a great tale. Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, this book offers something for everyone, from gambling psychology to high society romance. I highly recommend this must-read adventure!
August 21, 2024
“The Gambler’s Game: Based on the True Story of the Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by James Darnborough is a biographical historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the late 19th century. Featuring both the drama of the Old American West and the opulence of the European Guilded Age, the book tells the story of William Darnborough. Bill always dreamed of playing pro baseball. While getting an opportunity to play pro ball with the Denver Grizzlies, he is introduced to the world of high-stakes gambling and realizes that his expertise in mathematics could easily propel him to the top of the totem pole. Bill will blur the lines between ambition, love, and recklessness as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a world where every roulette spin or card played could result in glory or despair.
“The Gambler’s Game” is rich with detailed scenes that bring the late 19th and early 20th centuries to life. From the dusty plains of the West, where Bill perseveres in his baseball career, to the luxurious background of the casino Belle Epoque Monte Carlo, the book transports readers to each setting with vivid details and authentic storytelling. The first time Bill experiences the grandeur of Monte Carlo, for example, readers feel with him the tension as he places his bets, capturing the hush of the crowds around him and the terrifying thrill of knowing that he could be one spin away from losing everything.
In Bill, I see a character who strives to become “more.” Told as a boy and young adult that his baseball dreams were inappropriate, it was evident that at the beginning of the book he felt suffocated by the opinions of his parents and high school sweetheart, while at the same time yearning for their acceptance and approval. This seemed to inadvertently fuel his ambitions as he dives into the world of gambling, as I got the sense that in the back of his mind, he felt like he had to prove himself – not necessarily to the world at large, but to convince himself that he was worth more than what his parents’ meager expectations of him were. The more he achieves – the more he wins, the more he will be accepted by himself and others.
Bill’s love interest in “The Gambler’s Game,” Frances, also has a profound influence on him. Just as playing roulette involves calculating risks and guarding one’s vulnerabilities, so does the art of falling in love. She introduces him to new social circles, sociocultural ideas, and dreams. Whereas in gambling halls Bill can get instant gratification after placing a successful bet, with Frances he must navigate his own intellect, emotions, and vulnerabilities to achieve what he desired all along: to be loved and accepted. The risk provided by his gambling pursuits might provide him with thrills and excitement, but the security and stability Frances’ love offers allows him to envision a future where he can measure his wealth not only by his monetary winnings, but by having a full life with love, family, and a chance at real happiness.
The biggest challenge I encountered while reading “The Gambler’s Game” was the pacing, which seemed to lack a sense of urgency in the first half or so; something which is fairly common in works of historical fiction.
James Darnborough’s “The Gambler’s Game” offers readers a romantic, historical adventure set in a time where dreams were endless, and every choice was a gamble. The book intertwines excitement with the depth of human emotion, which will resonate with readers who appreciate books offering discourse on the universal theme of searching for something greater.
“The Gambler’s Game” is rich with detailed scenes that bring the late 19th and early 20th centuries to life. From the dusty plains of the West, where Bill perseveres in his baseball career, to the luxurious background of the casino Belle Epoque Monte Carlo, the book transports readers to each setting with vivid details and authentic storytelling. The first time Bill experiences the grandeur of Monte Carlo, for example, readers feel with him the tension as he places his bets, capturing the hush of the crowds around him and the terrifying thrill of knowing that he could be one spin away from losing everything.
In Bill, I see a character who strives to become “more.” Told as a boy and young adult that his baseball dreams were inappropriate, it was evident that at the beginning of the book he felt suffocated by the opinions of his parents and high school sweetheart, while at the same time yearning for their acceptance and approval. This seemed to inadvertently fuel his ambitions as he dives into the world of gambling, as I got the sense that in the back of his mind, he felt like he had to prove himself – not necessarily to the world at large, but to convince himself that he was worth more than what his parents’ meager expectations of him were. The more he achieves – the more he wins, the more he will be accepted by himself and others.
Bill’s love interest in “The Gambler’s Game,” Frances, also has a profound influence on him. Just as playing roulette involves calculating risks and guarding one’s vulnerabilities, so does the art of falling in love. She introduces him to new social circles, sociocultural ideas, and dreams. Whereas in gambling halls Bill can get instant gratification after placing a successful bet, with Frances he must navigate his own intellect, emotions, and vulnerabilities to achieve what he desired all along: to be loved and accepted. The risk provided by his gambling pursuits might provide him with thrills and excitement, but the security and stability Frances’ love offers allows him to envision a future where he can measure his wealth not only by his monetary winnings, but by having a full life with love, family, and a chance at real happiness.
The biggest challenge I encountered while reading “The Gambler’s Game” was the pacing, which seemed to lack a sense of urgency in the first half or so; something which is fairly common in works of historical fiction.
James Darnborough’s “The Gambler’s Game” offers readers a romantic, historical adventure set in a time where dreams were endless, and every choice was a gamble. The book intertwines excitement with the depth of human emotion, which will resonate with readers who appreciate books offering discourse on the universal theme of searching for something greater.
May 3, 2024
The Gambler's Game: Based on the True Story of The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo, masterfully weaves a captivating narrative that traces Bill Darnborough's fascinating transformation from an ambitious baseball player to a distinguished gambler against the dynamic backdrop of late 19th-century America. James Darnborough meticulously documents Bill's journey, starting in his early years in Bloomington, Illinois, where he rises as a promising pitcher against the odds of familial opposition.
The opening chapters are particularly evocative, exploring Bill's internal struggles and his stepfather's disapproval, painting a compelling portrait of a young man wrestling between his dreams and his existing circumstances. His ascent to professional baseball, first with the Bloomington Reds and then with the Denver Grizzlies, is captured with exceptional sensitivity to the socio-economic and cultural nuances of the era. As Bill moves from an underdog in Denver to a recognized figure in baseball, the narrative deftly captures the unpredictable nature of sports careers, imbuing the story with both inspiration and poignant realism.
The shift in focus from baseball to gambling in the latter part of the book is handled with remarkable finesse. The narrative strength here lies in its ability to draw insightful parallels between Bill's strategic approaches in baseball and his tactics in gambling, illustrating how skills in one arena can ingeniously translate to another. This segment is charged with tension and drama, vividly bringing to life the gritty, high-stakes world of early 20th-century Monte Carlo gambling. This book does more than simply recount Bill's life; it explores broader themes such as ambition, identity, and the complexities of adapting to both internal changes and shifts in the surrounding world. The epilogue serves as a poignant commentary, elegantly marking Bill's journey from the baseball fields to the gambling tables.
The Gambler's Game is a richly textured historical narrative that provides profound insights into American sports and gambling cultures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author's meticulous attention to detail and thematic depth make this book a compelling exploration of an individual's relentless quest to redefine himself amidst America's rapidly transforming landscape.
The opening chapters are particularly evocative, exploring Bill's internal struggles and his stepfather's disapproval, painting a compelling portrait of a young man wrestling between his dreams and his existing circumstances. His ascent to professional baseball, first with the Bloomington Reds and then with the Denver Grizzlies, is captured with exceptional sensitivity to the socio-economic and cultural nuances of the era. As Bill moves from an underdog in Denver to a recognized figure in baseball, the narrative deftly captures the unpredictable nature of sports careers, imbuing the story with both inspiration and poignant realism.
The shift in focus from baseball to gambling in the latter part of the book is handled with remarkable finesse. The narrative strength here lies in its ability to draw insightful parallels between Bill's strategic approaches in baseball and his tactics in gambling, illustrating how skills in one arena can ingeniously translate to another. This segment is charged with tension and drama, vividly bringing to life the gritty, high-stakes world of early 20th-century Monte Carlo gambling. This book does more than simply recount Bill's life; it explores broader themes such as ambition, identity, and the complexities of adapting to both internal changes and shifts in the surrounding world. The epilogue serves as a poignant commentary, elegantly marking Bill's journey from the baseball fields to the gambling tables.
The Gambler's Game is a richly textured historical narrative that provides profound insights into American sports and gambling cultures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author's meticulous attention to detail and thematic depth make this book a compelling exploration of an individual's relentless quest to redefine himself amidst America's rapidly transforming landscape.
August 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Almost fable like, yet based in fact on a real person, Bill Darnborough. I had never heard of him, but I think most people have heard the phrase, "He broke the bank at Monte Carlo." Yep, this is the guy or at least one of them if there are more. But unlikely.
Bill comes out of the rugged midwest of the United States toward the end of the 19th century. He starts out as a fledgling baseball player, the very early start up of the minor leages that proliferated the country. Some of these teams morphed into the major leagues, but Bill never quite made that step. It was interesting to read of these early days of baseball, and I never realized how progressed the game was in the late 1800 times.
One thing leads to another and Bill finds his way into the cut throat gambling business to rustle up an existence traveling from town to town operating a saloon roulette wheel. Being on the operator side he picks up some great pointers and skills of the game, if there are in fact some.
He dreams of making his way eventually to the big time, and the pinacle of that big time is of course Monte Carlo. This is where the elite play the game and he does pull it off slowly but surely making a fortune. The book never really gets into what exactly he does and maybe no one knows for sure. It looks like he managed to pull out around $11 million dollars in today's rendering. He did indeed break the bank.
His ultimate dream though is to wind his way into English society for whatever reasons and sets his sights on the woman of his dreams who is very much apart of that crowd. Bill of course does not measure up, but he persists, and persists, and then some. What happens then is for the reader to find out.
I was quite taken by the storyline and the twists and turns of getting to his goals. My only disappointment being in its abrupt ending which left out what happened next?? It just stops, leaving us to wonder how did it play out. But even with that ending gone awry the book is a good and entertaining story, and amazingly mostly true!
Bill comes out of the rugged midwest of the United States toward the end of the 19th century. He starts out as a fledgling baseball player, the very early start up of the minor leages that proliferated the country. Some of these teams morphed into the major leagues, but Bill never quite made that step. It was interesting to read of these early days of baseball, and I never realized how progressed the game was in the late 1800 times.
One thing leads to another and Bill finds his way into the cut throat gambling business to rustle up an existence traveling from town to town operating a saloon roulette wheel. Being on the operator side he picks up some great pointers and skills of the game, if there are in fact some.
He dreams of making his way eventually to the big time, and the pinacle of that big time is of course Monte Carlo. This is where the elite play the game and he does pull it off slowly but surely making a fortune. The book never really gets into what exactly he does and maybe no one knows for sure. It looks like he managed to pull out around $11 million dollars in today's rendering. He did indeed break the bank.
His ultimate dream though is to wind his way into English society for whatever reasons and sets his sights on the woman of his dreams who is very much apart of that crowd. Bill of course does not measure up, but he persists, and persists, and then some. What happens then is for the reader to find out.
I was quite taken by the storyline and the twists and turns of getting to his goals. My only disappointment being in its abrupt ending which left out what happened next?? It just stops, leaving us to wonder how did it play out. But even with that ending gone awry the book is a good and entertaining story, and amazingly mostly true!
September 5, 2024
From Baseball Diamonds to Monte Carlo
This is an interesting historical fiction tale about a man who gambles on his own life. Set in the 19th century, it is a surprisingly good story about a man who decides to change his life. What I enjoyed was the view of 19th century America compared to the French Riviera. It felt like being there in all of its dust choked streets and the opulence of Monaco. The gambler, Bill, goes from a midwestern baseball player to a high stakes gambler. That part of the story and character development was handled well. It makes the gambler and the people he interacts with feel real. It is a wild story. It has a lot to appreciate. There is the historical context of the story, the gambling, and of course there is romance to keep you turning pages. Hard to believe that this really happened. Imagine. There has only been one American who was able to break the bank in Monte Carlo during the 19th century. Really enjoyed the research. Recommend to fans of historical fiction.
This is an interesting historical fiction tale about a man who gambles on his own life. Set in the 19th century, it is a surprisingly good story about a man who decides to change his life. What I enjoyed was the view of 19th century America compared to the French Riviera. It felt like being there in all of its dust choked streets and the opulence of Monaco. The gambler, Bill, goes from a midwestern baseball player to a high stakes gambler. That part of the story and character development was handled well. It makes the gambler and the people he interacts with feel real. It is a wild story. It has a lot to appreciate. There is the historical context of the story, the gambling, and of course there is romance to keep you turning pages. Hard to believe that this really happened. Imagine. There has only been one American who was able to break the bank in Monte Carlo during the 19th century. Really enjoyed the research. Recommend to fans of historical fiction.
August 4, 2024
I just finished The Gambler’s Game and it was wonderfully written and enthralling book.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Bill Darnborough and the way the author seamlessly weaved the historical nonfiction with brilliant imagery and realism. I spent time Googling the various characters, places, landmarks, and stores (in London) and felt a connection to Bill and this opulent time in history. What a charmed life he created for himself from his minor league baseball days to his time in Monaco.
I kept wanting to read the next chapter and learn about his journey. I’m sure your family is proud of this work and homage to your grandfather.
I hope there’s another book in you (of any subject), James, because you have a fan in me. Cheers!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Bill Darnborough and the way the author seamlessly weaved the historical nonfiction with brilliant imagery and realism. I spent time Googling the various characters, places, landmarks, and stores (in London) and felt a connection to Bill and this opulent time in history. What a charmed life he created for himself from his minor league baseball days to his time in Monaco.
I kept wanting to read the next chapter and learn about his journey. I’m sure your family is proud of this work and homage to your grandfather.
I hope there’s another book in you (of any subject), James, because you have a fan in me. Cheers!
April 7, 2024
This is a fast-paced, well-researched story of an incredible man who risked everything for a better life. I found it hard to put down with a unique insight into both the times and the ups and downs of baseball, gambling, European travel--all with a likable character I found myself rooting for all the way.
James Darnborough demonstrates meticulous research throughout the narrative, enriching the journey with fascinating facts, vibrant characters, and a vivid portrayal of the historical backdrop.
Simply put: A delightful, easy, and informative read from start to finish. Can't wait for the movie!!!
James Darnborough demonstrates meticulous research throughout the narrative, enriching the journey with fascinating facts, vibrant characters, and a vivid portrayal of the historical backdrop.
Simply put: A delightful, easy, and informative read from start to finish. Can't wait for the movie!!!
June 7, 2024
I listened to the Audible version, which I can't find here on Goodreads. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. It is a very entertaining story, well told. The main character is the author’s grandfather and the book is based on true events. It seems to be well-researched; I was motivated to look up people, places, and automobiles mentioned. The fascinating story weaves together baseball, travel, roulette, adventure, romance, and early automobile enthusiasts. The narrator was excellent and did an admirable job with many voices and accents. I highly recommend this audiobook version. I will listen to more books by James Darnborough, and Kevin Clay.
August 17, 2025
I’m giving this book three stars because I appreciate the author’s tenacity in getting the book finished and published. I struggle to finish this book. I felt it was way too long and ended just at the point where it might have become interesting. This book just drones on and on. I kept falling asleep. I would have stopped reading it if it wasn’t selected for our book club. There is absolutely no plot to this book and I found the main character to be well characterless. It felt like the author was trying to put a good spin on a shallow individual. I recommend this book for nights you can’t fall asleep. Sorry author 😞
April 26, 2024
I’m slightly biased because my husband wrote the book. And at first I thought “oh goodness” like you do when hearing of anyone embarking on their debut novel. However, I am super critical and I think this book is very very well written and very interesting. Full of anecdotes and stories you never knew about the time and place. And the author has given the protagonist such heart and determination, that you can’t help but see bits of yourself in his journey. It’s a classic historical fiction read with beauty and humanity.
September 5, 2024
The Gambler’s Game by Jams Darnborough is a wonderful historical fiction novel. Based on the author’s grandfather, we learn about his time as a professional baseball player, his experience as a professional gambler, and beyond.
I like that I also learned about various places and how inventions such as the auto were first accepted by society.
I received this e-book as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I recommend this book to others to read.
I like that I also learned about various places and how inventions such as the auto were first accepted by society.
I received this e-book as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I recommend this book to others to read.
May 5, 2024
💫💫💫❤️
June 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book alot. It tells the story of the author's grandfather's life which was pretty interesting.
Thanks for the free book.
Thanks for the free book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews