The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow captures readers with its compelling historical setting and complex characters. Reviewers praise its vivid portrayal of 1930s Berlin and nuanced exploration of identity and resilience. Some criticism addresses occasional pacing issues and predictable plot elements, but overall, its emotional depth and cultural context are lauded.

Readers who relish historical fiction with a coming-of-age twist will be captivated by The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. Fans of Markus Zusak's The Book Thief and John Boyne's The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will appreciate this story, set in Nazi Germany, portraying personal resilience and growth amidst political turmoil.

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow, set between 1934 and 1938, follows Karl Stern, a Jewish teenager in Berlin. Karl experiences anti-Semitic bullying and witnesses escalating Nazi oppression. After meeting German boxing champion Max Schmeling, he trains in boxing to build resilience. The novel blends Karl's struggles with his art aspirations and boxer's discipline against the backdrop of increasing Nazi atrocities. His journey ends with Karl and his sister escaping to the United States as their family faces severe persecution. The story addresses intense themes of violence and prejudice.

Challenging / Emotional / Inspirational / Melancholic / Bittersweet

- The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow was inspired by the real-life events and historical backdrop of Nazi Germany, weaving fiction with significant historical elements regarding the impact of the era on diverse communities.
- The novel received the Sydney Taylor Book Award, which recognizes outstanding books for children and teens that exemplify the Jewish experience, highlighting its cultural and educational importance.
- Sharenow's work not only explores themes of identity and resilience but also delves into the world of boxing, using it as a metaphor for personal and societal battles during challenging historical times.

**Karl Stern**  
The teenage protagonist living in pre-World War II Berlin, who navigates his identity and the rise of anti-Semitism amidst his divided loyalties to his artistic father and boxing coach.

**Max Schmeling**  
A real-life boxer featured in the story as Karl's mentor, known for his survival skills and selective acts of kindness during turbulent times.

**Sigmund Stern**  
Karl's father, an art gallery owner and pacifist, who balances his dedication to his work with a desire for his son to forge his own path.

**Rebecca Stern**  
Karl’s mother, characterized by her vulnerability and moments of insight, who discerns the dangers of the Nazi regime before others in her family.

**Hildy Stern**  
Karl’s younger sister, who grapples with her appearance and identity, and displays unexpected depth and awareness as the story progresses.

**The Countess**  
A flamboyant and courageous character who aids Karl and Hildy during critical moments, known for a past connection with Karl's father as a World War I comrade.

Robert Sharenow

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Part 2 Part 2: Chapters 15-36

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Part 3 Part 3: Chapters 37-47

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