lydiahephzibah's review against another edition
3.0
For a book about boxing and racism, this lacked a punch. I think it's just a style thing; I felt the same about Shukla's debut too. I never really connected to Sunny - his narrative felt a bit distant and lacked heart, and at times he was annoying.
emmajh91's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying
kinghawk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
skyeecolee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
piperbunny's review against another edition
3.0
This is the story of Sunny, based on the author's own experiences. Sunny is beaten up by random strangers in a racist attack. This is the story of the aftermath, his mental health, his new friends and family. Interwoven with his story is a boxing match from the future between Keir and Sunny, supposedly friends at the start but the reader soon learns this may not be the case in the futures. It's raw, and shocking, and unbelievably still relevant today.
nmlszx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cathyp72's review against another edition
5.0
I found this something of a surprise in that I was expecting it to be a good book, but I wasn't expecting to love it so much! I found this a powerful story of identity and racism enhanced by some great characters and a well structured plot. I found the way both Sunny and Keir interacted was both convincing and frustrating. There were points you could see that things could have been different but also how hard some things are to understand and confront. There's a lot going on but it's very well handled and I really enjoyed it.
marissalobot's review against another edition
4.0
This really captured the feeling of what it's like to be a minority ethnicity in the UK right now, to sometimes feel like you're surrounded by people who want to make you feel unwelcome and singled out, who don't want to understand you.
As bad as it is, the parts about the march were so believable - if I opened BBC news and saw a news story about a real march like that, I wouldn't be surprised.
As bad as it is, the parts about the march were so believable - if I opened BBC news and saw a news story about a real march like that, I wouldn't be surprised.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
3.0
When Sunny suffers a brutal racist attack at a train station, he finally finds the community he’s been seeking in Easton’s Gym, where he learns to box and fight to be seen human again.
When racial tensions rise in the city and a Far Right march turns violent, Sunny is forced to make the hardest choice of all.
Featuring friendship dynamics, family relationships, racial slurs, far-right radicalisation, and the power to fight for what you feel is right and what truly matters in life, this YA story set over ten rounds of boxing is an interesting, powerful and motivational read for all ages. Although there is some violence and racial abuse, everything is handled with diplomacy but still manages to convey the genuine feelings of teenagers living in an ethnic society and how relationships suffer due to peer pressure and attitudes.
3.5 stars for “The Boxer” by author Nikesh Shukla
When racial tensions rise in the city and a Far Right march turns violent, Sunny is forced to make the hardest choice of all.
Featuring friendship dynamics, family relationships, racial slurs, far-right radicalisation, and the power to fight for what you feel is right and what truly matters in life, this YA story set over ten rounds of boxing is an interesting, powerful and motivational read for all ages. Although there is some violence and racial abuse, everything is handled with diplomacy but still manages to convey the genuine feelings of teenagers living in an ethnic society and how relationships suffer due to peer pressure and attitudes.
3.5 stars for “The Boxer” by author Nikesh Shukla