The barfighter

From Publishers Weekly Goldman (Where the Money Is) brings to life the sleazy underbelly of professional boxing in the 1980s, where double crosses, thievery and cheating were commonplace. After instigating a bar brawl that leads to his arrest, former army-trained boxer and journalist Lee Cheskis lands in anger management class. There he meets Marvin, the former gangbanger who is desperate to box. Lee introduces Marvin to Eddie, the salty old boxing trainer and gym owner, who discovers that Marvin is a natural. As Marvin works his way up from small auditoriums to big arenas, it becomes obvious just how seedy and disreputable the boxing world really is as fighters, fights and allegiances are easily bought and sold. Goldman's ear for dialogue and snappy pace make this latest an entertaining read, and boxing fans may recognize some of the sport's famous personalities as inspirations for the characters. Though the boxing-as-salvation story is nothing new, readers will root for this little band of misfits to succeed against the odds. (Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review A cracking read from the anger management start to the bare knuckle finish. some 40-something Hollywood actor had better start getting himself into shape for the film. Goldman dances through the story like a flyweight on his toes but lands a heavyweight punch. --The Guardian UK

A witty, fast-paced, well-plotted addition to boxing literature with plentiful action, pungent dialogue and colorful peripheral figures ranging from Ken Kesey and Neal Cassady to a promoter who bears a resemblance to Don King. Entertaining and acutely observed-and the boxing milieu and mindset are utterly persuasive. A winner! --Kirkus Review

This is more than a book about boxing. It's about the humanity that exists in a hard world; yours or mine. You feel the body blows but you know the dreams, because you've dreamed them too. Goldman tells his story of boxers, managers, whores, cheats and lovers with the inside knowledge of a boxing expert and the literary skill of a poet. Goldman has produced a special piece of work that deserves the attention and praise it is bound to receive. --Los Angeles Times