THE BERLIN BOXING CLUB by Robert Sharenow

copyright date: 2011

primarily marketed for: young adults (teens)

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow opens with this quote:

“There is one kind of sport which should be especially encouraged, although many people . . . consider it brutal and vulgar, and that is boxing . . . There is no other sport which equals this in developing the militant spirit, none that demands such a power of rapid decision or which gives the bod the flexibility of good steel . . . But, above all, a healthy youth has to learn to endure hard knocks.”

-Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

As an opening, it is a perfect representation of Sharenow’s ability to craft a story that is at once rooted in history and grounded in contemporary relevance. 

Karl Stern is a young boy growing up in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power.  He is Jewish by descent, though his family does not identify with or practice Jewish religion or culture.  His Jewish identity serves as the major conflict in the story, but this is a story with many layers. 

Having read a lot of young adult books set during this time period, I am immediately drawn into a story that takes a fresh approach and reveals a piece of history that is new to me.  Sharenow’s story does just that.  However, even more appealing than the history embedded in this story is the fact that Karl is a character who is relevant to today’s teens.  Although his story is set against a historical backdrop, his struggles are universally human.  Ultimately The Berlin Boxing Club is the story of Karl’s search for his own identity—his role within his family, within his country, within an increasingly confusing world.

When his father, who owns an art gallery, makes a deal with his old friend, the famous boxer Max Schmeling, Karl suddenly finds himself training to become a future boxing champion.  It is through boxing that Karl finds confidence, discovers his first love, and escapes the growing restrictions being placed on German Jews.  Boxing is the vehicle by which Karl grows up.

In addition to his dedication to boxing, Karl (and Robert Sharenow) has talent and passion for drawing cartoons, which are peppered throughout the book.  Although they lend a welcome lighthearted quality to the story, there is also a bit of chilling sarcasm created by the juxtaposition of the youthful innocence of the drawings and the harsh reality of the comics’ contents.

Set during a volatile time in human history, this is a powerful story of bullying, friendship, family, romance, art, boxing, discrimination, and hope.