💡 UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-
Get into the psyche of women boxers with Headshot. In Rita Bullwinkel’s debut novel Headshot, the world of young women’s boxing serves as an exploration of identity, ambition, and the human condition. Set against the gritty backdrop of a national championship in Reno, Nevada, the novel follows the journeys of eight boxers as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the sport.
The novel starts off at the national championship in Reno, Nevada, where eight American teens compete for the Women’s Youth Boxing Association title. Each boxer brings her own backstory to the ring, from Artemis Victor, a confident legacy from a boxing family, to Tanya Maw, whose mother’s sudden departure casts a shadow on her life.
Beyond the matches, the novel delves into the characters’ backgrounds, relationships, and aspirations outside of boxing. From the struggles of balancing training with school and family responsibilities to the emotional toll of past traumas, the girls grapple with a range of challenges both inside and outside the ring.
It delivers a knockout debut that captivates from start to finish. Through its compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, the novel offers a meditation on the human experience.