The Fists of the Father
In the heart of western Sydney, three generations of men in a family of champion boxers are trapped in a cycle of violence.
by Daniel Tamone
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jul 02 2024 | Archive Date Jul 02 2024
Talking about this book? Use #TheFistsoftheFather #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Ted ‘Little Boy Blue’ Taylor has replaced his estranged father Ron – a disgraced former heavyweight champion on the cusp of an unexpected comeback – as the darling of Australian boxing. But after two uninspiring losses, he is failing to live up to the expectations that have always weighed so heavily upon him.
Ted’s battles are not isolated to his sport: a painful history of alcoholism, domestic abuse and ties to the underworld of boxing has a firm hold on the Taylor family. Generational trauma and guilt are not Ted’s only inheritance. Now he is silently enduring the effects of years of concussions – in the ring, and in childhood at the hands of his father – which are threatening to end his career prematurely.
Ted is trained by his grandfather, a Vietnam vet seeking escape from his demons through drinking and gambling. Pop manages to find a certain peace in his love for his sport and his grandson, although he is unknowingly causing damage by trying to protect Ted from the father–son showdown that the industry is baying for.
When someone from the world beyond boxing enters his life, Ted begins to see a new, more hopeful future for himself – but only if he has the courage to walk away from his family’s volatile legacy. By finding the strength to choose, can he free them all?
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781760688578 |
| PRICE | A$32.99 (AUD) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Tennille L, Reviewer
⠀ An Australian take on the underworld of competition boxing. Tamone skill-fully delves into the world of generational trauma and guilt. A balanced read that blends the lives of the relatable characters with the sporting commentary ringside and press conferences. Daniel has captured the Aussie fighting spirit beautifully. ⠀
J. K, Reviewer
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
In “The Fists of the Father,” Daniel Tamone delivers a gripping narrative that delves deep into the heart of western Sydney, where three generations of champion boxers are ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence. This novel is a raw and unflinching exploration of familial bonds, masculinity, and the haunting legacy of trauma.
Tamone masterfully weaves a tale that is as much about the physicality of boxing as it is about the emotional and psychological battles fought outside the ring. The story follows the lives of a grandfather, father, and son, each grappling with their own demons while trying to uphold the family’s boxing legacy. The cyclical nature of violence is a central theme, portrayed with a stark realism that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
The characters are richly developed, each with their own distinct voice and perspective. The grandfather, a revered boxing legend, is haunted by the ghosts of his past victories and the toll they took on his soul. The father, caught between the expectations of his father and the desire to protect his own son, embodies the struggle of breaking free from inherited trauma. The son, the youngest of the trio, represents hope and the possibility of change, yet he too is drawn into the violent world that has defined his family.
Tamone’s writing is both poetic and brutal, capturing the visceral nature of boxing and the emotional turmoil of his characters. His prose is vivid and evocative, painting a gritty picture of life in western Sydney. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, reflecting the raw emotions and complex relationships between the characters.
“The Fists of the Father” is a powerful and poignant novel that offers a deep and nuanced look at the impact of violence on individuals and families. Tamone’s storytelling is compelling, drawing readers into the lives of his characters and making them feel every punch, both literal and metaphorical. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate stories that challenge and provoke thought, while also offering a glimmer of hope for redemption and change.
