Headshot
"It's a hard blow that the judges call a hit immediately. The score is yelled loud enough so everyone can hear it. This is a point hitting game after all." - Rita Bullwinkel, Headshot
The absence of dialogue in this book is noteworthy. The "omniscient narrator" of the story immerses the reader in the thoughts of the competitors, their coaches, and onlookers. The story alternates between elegant depictions of the physical combat and in-depth examinations of the characters' motivations, histories, and even prospective futures throughout the book. In keeping with the fast-paced, exhilarating nature of the boxing matches themselves, the writing is frequently muscular and sharp. The boxing ring serves as the setting for nearly the whole book, which creates a tense, enclosed atmosphere.
Although the book is about boxing, the eight young women's inner lives are its main focus. It looks at their traumas, desires, and fears as well as why they chose this cruel and private sport. The author's ability to highlight the notable psychological distinctions among the competitors—all of whom were pursuing the same objective—impressed me. The book explores themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the fight for acceptance in a world dominated by men as it explains what it means to be a female athlete.
Each character is driven by a different purpose, such as dealing with a personal tragedy, proving themselves to family, or just trying to fit in. The "madness and sheer physical pleasure" that can spur young women to fight are examined in the book. Overall, the book offers a "dignified and critical treatment" of boxing while addressing its brutality in a novel way, emphasizing its "artistry, strategy, and brutality."
View all my reviews
Although the book is about boxing, the eight young women's inner lives are its main focus. It looks at their traumas, desires, and fears as well as why they chose this cruel and private sport. The author's ability to highlight the notable psychological distinctions among the competitors—all of whom were pursuing the same objective—impressed me. The book explores themes of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the fight for acceptance in a world dominated by men as it explains what it means to be a female athlete.
Each character is driven by a different purpose, such as dealing with a personal tragedy, proving themselves to family, or just trying to fit in. The "madness and sheer physical pleasure" that can spur young women to fight are examined in the book. Overall, the book offers a "dignified and critical treatment" of boxing while addressing its brutality in a novel way, emphasizing its "artistry, strategy, and brutality."
View all my reviews
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