Knuckle

by James Quinn McDonagh

When a simmering family feud between three clans of Irish travellers erupts after one member dies following a pub fight in London, the clans decide to go to war. Knuckle is the true story of James Quinn McDonagh - clan head and champion bare-knuckle fighter. It's a journey from his grandfather's horse-drawn caravan at the side of the road to the country lanes of Ireland where he stood, fists bloodied and bandaged, fighting a clan war that he never asked for. Two men, two neutral referees, a country lane. No gloves, no biting, no rests. The last man standing wins, takes home the money, and more importantly, the bragging rights. Caught in a brutal cycle of violence that has left men dead, houses burned and lives destroyed, James tells a story that opens up a hidden world - revealing why history repeats itself, and why he can never go home... 'A charismatic clan leader'
- New York Times

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most interesting parts aren't about the boxing, but about the (changing) Traveller's lifestyle. I think in tandem with the documentary of the same name, this book will be more rewarding.

[Elkers]

Not a revolutionary book in any way. Same old traveller ends up fighting.... Oh and the kicker at the end is a DVD they are trying to flog on the back of it.

[Tasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this book up at the hotel I work in for something to read that day. A retrospective account of a guys bare knuckle fighting history in the traveling community. Very easy read, repetitive at times and the timeline is a little inconsistent. Interesting to read his thoughts on the traveling community as a whole and his opinions on the TV reality series Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and how he sees it shaping his community today. The fight recollections, which is the main part of the book, were long winded and pretty similar so overall the book didn't grab my attention all that much.

[Niki Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into the world of travellers and bare knuckle boxing. Not sure I believe the author when he says he doesn't like/want to fight though. Interesting read.

[Mick Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly interesting but not a classic.