I liked that this one centered around historical events, but it wasn't my favorite. I thought the main character was too whiney and self-absorbed. Also, this seemed like it was written for a much younger audience than it was advertised to. This seemed like a middle grade book to me whereas everyone has it listed for high school students. I did like the drawings interspersed in the story. I thought that was a nice touch. But this was not my favorite Germany-in-WW2 ya novel. Loved it! I have been so lucky that many of the book I have read for summer break have been so good. This book was super easy reading; the plot just sucked me in. I like how this is a Holocaust book that dealt with topics not much visited: the main character, Karl is a talented artist, his dad an art dealer, his mom suffers from depression, and he looks nothing like a Jew while is younger sister totally fits the outer mold. All of these elements make for an interesting story.Furthermore, one of my favorite parts of the book was the introduction of a gay male figure who becomes a hero for Karl. Hitler also targeted homosexuals in his attempt to destroy those who didn't fit his ideal. This is a part of the Holocaust not often taught or discussed. Here is a subplot that confronts this little-visited reality. Karl and his family live in Berlin in the 1930's. The events of the novel lead up to Krystalnacht. I enjoyed how Karl is vulnerable to attack and makes his way despite it. I rooted for him throughout. It is a mix of hard and soft: boxing and art, humanity and Nazism. It is a gem.
What do You think about The Berlin Boxing Club (2011)?
This book was utterly enchanting! I was about to cry at the end!
—morgan13119
amazing, different perspective of Nazi Germany than I'm used to
—Senkins820
Six words: Karl learned to box, to survive.
—Nessa88
