‘Headshot’ by Rita Bullwinkel- The 2024 Booker Prize Longlist

Hello, I’m Bob, and I loved this tight and focused narrative.

I hope you liked it too!

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[SupposedlyFun]

I've been on a hold list for this book at my library since June. Hopefully soon!

[ariannefowler]

I have it on hold at the library. I am very curious about this one.

[ArtStoriesWithKris]

For all the reasons that you mentioned I probably would not have picked up this book. But your review has me very curious so I will put it on hold at the library. thank you.

[layalialsudairy]

I loved the set up of the book and like u said I felt the energy of the boxing matches, the glimpses to their current and past lives. I think the only thing that didn’t work for me was the constant naming of the boxers but I guess like you said we wouldn’t know who the author is talking about if they weren’t named, especially with all the jumping around in their head. But maybe if only she used the first name it would be smoother? I
But in general, I liked it a lot.

[BookishTexan]

This is one I definitely want to read.

[Shelf_Improvement]

I felt like the sort of clinical way or as you say, casual way that the narration was done kept us outside the action and the lives of the characters. I also felt like the style of the narration slowed everything down juxtaposed with a very fast sport. Idk, maybe I need reading lessons. 😂

[BooklyWookly]

It’s giving me massive Western Lane vibes, which I enjoyed a lot.

[TheEmzies]

Great review. Just finished Headshot and still finalising my thoughts but overall I really enjoyed this one.

[jacquelinemcmenamin]

Boxing is a sport that has a special place in Irish society. The champions we’ve had have all come come from very deprived areas of the country. They’re celebrated as having got out of poverty and risen to dizzy heights. It’s a sport that’s almost fed by social deprivation. Other sports require boats, access to swimming pools, expensive equipment, huge training facilities. You’d like to think the opportunities would be the same for male and female boxers, after they retire from competition. But are they really?