Novel Review for Historical Fiction/Module 7

Novel Review for Historical Fiction-The Berlin Boxing Club/Module 7 Bibliographic Citation: Sharenow, R. (2011). The Berlin boxing club. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 432 pages. Summary: As those around him are being persecuted for their religion, Karl Stern just wants to be able to defend himself from bullies in his school. The fact that he is a Jew had never been as issue, until Hitler came to power. Through a business transaction in his father’s art gallery, Karl receives a chance to learn the sport of boxing from one of Germany’s most famous fighters and national hero, Max Schmeling. As his training progresses, he learns that each lesson Max teaches him will help him survive not only the atrocities toward his people, but will help him to realize that he is stronger, physically and emotionally. Analysis: The subject matter of the Holocaust is a difficult topic to read about, speak about, or even to try to understand. Sharenow handles the subject matter very effectively as he tells the story of Karl’s journey. The relationship that develops between Karl and Max, as well as the other fighters who help Karl, is the only part of his world that he does have control over. Boxing becomes a saving grace for both Karl and his family. Karl’s religion had never been an issue with his friends or even his family, until the harsh cruel treatment of his people forced him to take a stand. The harsh reality of Hitler’s annihilation of the Jewish people causes Karl to see his father and his business dealings in a new light. Business now means surviving as a family and staying together as any cost. While we see Karl grow more as a young man living in a turbulent world, the reader never understands the effects of mental illness in his mother’s life, or how his younger sister dealt with growing up in a society that considered her to be an animal. Sharenow does an exceptional job to develop the relationship between Karl and his sister through the use of comic strips and Karl’s strength as an artist. The story lends itself to a sequel to follow the lives of Karl and his sister, Hildy and their journey into adulthood.