Flyweight - by Courtney Ellis (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"While we're looking for lesser-known chapters of women's history, we have to recommend Flyweight by Courtney Ellis, a novel set in London and inspired by boxers Annie Newton and Bella Burge."

--The Honey Pop

"A beautifully crafted and inspiring story, Flyweight highlights a fascinating slice of history that might have been lost to old newspapers otherwise. A quiet grit runs beneath the story and, while paired with Lucy's infinite love for her family, creates exquisite emotional layers in Courtney Ellis's trademark style. These women are going to make readers want to jump out of their seats and cheer right to the very last thrilling page. A must-read!"

--Brianna Labuskes, USA Today bestselling author of The Librarian of Burned Books

"A captivating debut...Ellis's lyrical, emotional writing brings the beauty of Braemore alive while revealing the complexity of the richly drawn characters...Historical fiction fans will appreciate this."

--Publisher's Weekly on At Summer's End

"A fascinating historical novel about women in sports and overcoming both outer and inner prejudices."

--Cakes, Tea and Dreams

"A superb character study of women and their aspirations in the early 20th century and the long-term effects of World War I on soldiers, nurses, and those left behind...Readers will be filled with suspense, sometimes even anxiousness, but also cheer for Bertie's boldness, her sense of accomplishment, and the decision she makes at summer's end."

--Historical Novel Society on At Summer's End

"Based on the real-life story of the 1926 London boxing match between two women that sparked a public uproar, Flyweight is an inspiring tale of family, loss, and hope that asks how far a woman will go to protect those she loves--and how hard she'll fight for her place in the world."

--Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau and The Book of Lost Names

"Courtney Ellis expertly illuminates the real-life history of female boxers in 1920s London. Flyweight is a love letter to the passion, beauty, and drama of sports and the inspirational women who blazed a trail for female athletes. A must-read for historical fiction lovers!"

--Sarah James, bestselling author of Last Stop Union Station

"I loved everything about this book: the richly drawn characters, the evocative setting, the very heart and soul of the story within the pages. It's everything you want in a novel for these times we are in. A sparkling debut from a new author we're all going to want more from."

--Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things, on At Summer's End

"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

"In hardscrabble postwar East London, Lucy Cotter defies society and the odds in an exhibition of one woman's strength, resilience, and devotion as she pursues a dream and fights for equality. In this heartfelt and beautifully rendered story based on true events, Courtney Ellis delivers a total KO."

--Liza Nash Taylor, author of Etiquette for Runaways

"Readers will be captivated by this stirring debut of love, family secrets and human frailties. Told with wit and tenderness, this story is as unique as its characters...Ellis deftly captures the devastation of war and what it means to be comfortable in one's own skin."

--Renée Rosen, bestselling author of The Social Graces, on At Summer's End

"The lush setting and vivid characters are utterly captivating in Ellis' lovely debut."

--Booklist on At Summer's End

"Timeless and empowering, the rich historical novel Flyweight is about a woman who unlearns harmful ideas and fights for her future."

--Foreword Reviews (starred review)