Mat Guy’s *Standing on the Shoulders of Titans* is a masterclass in sports writing, brimming with heart, humour, and a rare kind of empathy that makes every page feel like an embrace. Guy’s prose is equal parts lyrical and direct, capturing the agony and ecstasy of San Marino’s footballing life in a way that’s as authentic as it is moving. He never condescends to his subject—instead, he lifts it up, inviting the reader to stand alongside the Brigata Mai Uno Gioia and experience every moment of hope and heartbreak as if it were their own. In passages like his vivid recounting of a rain-soaked away day in Latvia, Guy’s writing pulses with humanity: “In the downpour, you’d have sworn the Sammarinese anthem was louder than the thunder.” It’s clear that Guy is not just an observer but a participant in this unlikely, wonderful story.
What sets Guy apart is his uncanny ability to find joy and meaning where others only see defeat. Through sharp, observant storytelling, he immerses the reader in the soul of San Marino’s footballing community. He sketches the quirks of stadiums from the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle to the remote pitches of Moldova, and he brings to life the unsung heroes—the players, fans, and locals whose dedication gives the game its soul. Guy’s affection for his subjects is infectious; when he describes the elation of a rare goal or the camaraderie on the terraces, you feel it in your bones. His writing is a celebration of football’s underdogs, and his voice—by turns wry, wistful, and irrepressibly optimistic—makes every chapter a joy to read.
Above all, *Standing on the Shoulders of Titans* is a triumph of perspective and originality. Guy’s insights about hope, national pride, and the “small victories” of life are as relevant off the pitch as on it. His ability to find poetry in the everyday is unmatched, and the clarity with which he articulates the hopes of a team that “never wins” is genuinely moving. By the end, you’re left not just with a deeper understanding of San Marino’s footballing journey, but also with a profound appreciation for Mat Guy’s talent. He’s given voice to a story that, in less skilled hands, might have been overlooked—and in doing so, he’s made a lasting contribution to the literature of sport.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Great Book Selection – Visit 1889 Books
Published: September 8, 2025Price: £12.99Paperback: 180 pagesISBN-10: 1915045452ISBN-13: 9781915045454Dimensions: 234 x 156 (mm)
