A Delicate Game

An investigation into power, sport and the human brain.

A footballer dies of dementia, younger than he should.
A 14-year old-rugby player is told to play on through multiple blows. He never wakes up from the last one.
A scientist reveals a pattern of brain disease in NFL players and is discredited.
A survivor of domestic abuse can’t remember details when standing up in court.

From the creator of the award-winning podcast A Beautiful Brain.

This is the story of the degenerative brain disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), concussive and sub-concussive trauma. It is also a story of power, of science and sport, and of the bodies that society deems worth sacrificing.

It is an investigation that explores the truth about concussion in sport and beyond it, from the social dynamics that send young men into violent sports, to the scientists searching for truth and the families living with consequences. This story belongs to those families.

A Delicate Game explores the passion and fury of sport, truth and justice, violence against women, privilege, love, greed, hope and redemption. It’s going to change the way you think about sport forever.

Reviews

‘Moving…persuasive…timely…absorbing…well-researched…required reading’ Sunday Times

‘Hana Walker-Brown is a powerful new voice in narrative non-fiction. A Delicate Game is sensitive, crushing, vivid and unforgettable’ Will Storr

‘A Delicate Game is a beautifully written, deeply moving and absolutely mind-blowing read. Hana Walker-Brown gives such deep insights that it often feels like you are right next to her in her encounters, privileged enough to be listening. A Delicate Game combines excellent investigative reporting with a uniquely passionate voice that is calling for immediate action. Everyone should read this book!’ – Julia Ebner

‘Sharp, smart and vital. Walker-Brown is a super duper mega talent’ – Anneka Harry

‘It is hard to summarise the level of skill required to execute a multifaceted book like this. A book with real depth that will stay with me for a long time. The literary world of investigative journalism has just gained a new talent’
Dr Sophie Mort

Praise for The Beautiful Brain
‘Thoughtful, compelling and frequently hard-hitting, The Beautiful Brain is a powerful cri-de-Coeur against an industry failure to protect those who keep it afloat’ – Fiona Sturgess, Financial Times

‘A lovely and painful listen. Lovely because of the care and tenderness Walker-Brown puts into her work; painful because of the subject matter. The Beautiful Brain is essential listening’ – Miranda Sawyer, Observer

‘I can’t stop thinking about its core message – the breadth or argument and depth of detail are remarkable” – Gillian Reynolds, Sunday Times

‘It’s gripping and essential – if often overwhelmingly poignant and righteously enraging, as much a call-to-arms as a piece of investigative journalism’ – Esquire

‘Hana’s attention to detail and storytelling skills have created something that is having and will continue to have a lot of impact’ – Halina Haag, PHD Researcher and Brain Trauma Survivor

‘A simple thank you is not reflective of the impact of this story, and it’s delivery’ – Jodie Marshall, Canadian Council for First Aid Education and British Red Cross

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited