The Berlin Boxing Club

Karl Stern has never thought of himself as a Jew; after all, he’s never even been in a synagogue. But the bullies at his school in Nazi-era Berlin don’t care that Karl’s family doesn’t practise religion. Demoralised by their attacks against a heritage he doesn’t accept as his own, Karl longs to prove his worth.

Then Max Schmeling, champion boxer and German hero, makes a deal with Karl’s father to give Karl boxing lessons. A skilled cartoonist, Karl never had any interest in boxing but now it seems like the perfect chance to reinvent himself. Under Max’s tutelage, both Karl’s boxing skills and his art flourish.

But when Nazi violence against Jews escalates, Karl must take on a new role: family protector. And as Max’s fame forces him to associate with Nazi elites, Karl begins to wonder where his hero’s sympathies truly lie. Can Karl balance his boxing dreams with his obligation to keep his family out of harm’s way?

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow explores themes of identity, courage, and moral complexity in the dark times of Nazi Germany. Follow Karl’s journey as he strives to define himself and protect his loved ones amidst growing danger.