Description:
In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society's standards to fight for their place in the ring
East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, though, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it's up to Lucy to keep the leaking roof over their heads. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin's former boxing club on a whim--and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.
Siobhan McCarthy is the niece of Robin's late coach and a pugilist herself. She's delighted Lucy stumbled in; it's hard to find another woman who knows the sport. Siobhan offers her work as a cleaner--with a few bob more if Lucy trains alongside her. Tempting as the offer sounds, Lucy is skeptical, sharing the opinion of society that boxing is a sport unbecoming of a woman.
Days later, an unexpected expense leaves Lucy and her family facing eviction. Desperate, she returns to the club and reluctantly dons the gloves. As Lucy's love for her husband's sport is rekindled, she discovers a new joy in her own prowess, but when Siobhan asks her to spar in a public match, Lucy hesitates. Backlash will be certain and swift, risking her family's future. How much is she willing to sacrifice to earn her place in the ring?
Inspired by true events, Flyweight is a story of the strength and resilience of two women and the lengths they're willing to go for their families--and equality.
Brief description:
Courtney Ellis is the author of At Summer's End and The Forgotten Cottage. Flyweight is her third novel. She lives in Western New York with her rescue dog.
Connect with Courtney on Instagram and Facebook @courtneyellisauthor and visit her website at Courtney-Ellis.com
Review Quotes:
"Impeccable and luminous prose, lyrical storytelling through the light and the dark, and richly formed characters all blurred together in a golden haze. Courtney Ellis writes with exquisite skill, and captures the tone of the post-WWI period with what appears to be effortless ease."
--India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, on At Summer's End "India Holton, author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, on At Summer's End"