The Longest Fight

by Emily Bullock

Jack Munday has been fighting all his life. His earliest memories are shaped by the thrill of the boxing ring. Since then he has grown numb, scarred by his bullying father and haunted by the tragic fate of his first love.

Now a grafting boxing manager, Jack is hungry for change. So when hope and ambition appear in the form of Frank, a young fighter with a winning prospect, and Georgie, a new girl who can match him step for step, he seizes his chance for a better future, determined to win at all costs.

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2015

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel about boxing is probably one of the last books I’d be likely to pick up, so it was with a bit of a sigh that I began this book. However, this isn’t a book about boxing. Yes, it does feature heavily - it’s about a boxing promotor and his newest prodigy – but this novel is about so much more than fighting in the ring. It’s about the struggle faced by those living in post war London. It’s a book about family. It’s a book with an intriguing beginning as we meet Jack, dubbed The Silent killer by tabloid newspapers, in a prison cell about to face hanging for murder. It’s a book defined by the memorable characters Emily Bullock has created: Jack, Frank, Pearl and Georgie to name but a few. Jack Munday was a boxer in his younger days and he has been shaped by the battles he has faced in life: his bullying father, fights in the boxing ring, the seedy underworld of London, the tragic death of the first woman he loved, making sense of the life he is left with. It’s a book about his relationship with his daughter who he will do anything for. It’s a book which ultimately is about the sacrifices Jack makes for others. A really wonderful first novel – just read and enjoy.

[Kev Milsom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly engrossing book from start to finish. Loved it. :)

[Hatice Ozdemirciler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Such a lovely well written book with really interesting characters (like nothing I've read before!) I loved the backdrop of 1950s London.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written & involving in parts. Not sure I could say I really enjoyed it though!