Sunday, January 13, 2019

Review of "The Fight"

While the bulk of my reading is newer books, it is refreshing to read a classic book every now and then.  That was the case when I picked up this book on the Ali-Foreman fight in 1974 written by Norman Mailer.  Certainly a different perspective on this legendary match.  Here is my review of "The Fight."


Title/Author:
The Fight” by Norman Mailer
Tags:
Boxing, championship, history, classic
Publish date:
September 17, 2013 (original publication date: 1975)
Length:
237 pages
Rating: 
5 of 5 stars  (Outstanding)
Review:
One of the most amazing and historic boxing matches in the colorful history of the sport occurred in 1974 when Muhammad Ali surprised the world and defeated George Foreman to reclaim the world heavyweight title in Zaire. Much has been written about this fight, including this book by renowned author Norman Mailer. 
Part historical, part play-by-play and part memoir (Mailer inserts himself in the book), the reader will get an interesting perspective of this fight and the setting in which it took place. Since the book was originally published in 1975, one can easily note that there are sections and passages that would not pass an editor’s eye today, such as when Mailer stated that “Africa is shaped like a pistol, say the people here, and Zaire is the trigger.” He also writes most of the book in a masculine point of view, sometimes a little too much that might make a reader uncomfortable.
At the beginning of the book, he does state that he is going to do this, so it is not unexpected.  This will also allow the reader, should he or she wish to continue, to get a different perspective.  One part that I did enjoy was when Norman (how he referred to himself throughout the book) went jogging with Ali when the boxer was doing road work. While the pace was slower and he didn’t last the entire length of the run, it was nonetheless something that is not typically found in other books on this fight.
The best aspect of the book are chapters 13 through 15, the fight itself.  Here, the “masculinity” of Norman’s writing shines best, as the reader will feel like he or she is ringside.  Not just from the punches or reading about Ali’s famous strategy by leaning on the ropes early, but also from what is said by each fighter and their corners.  There are similar segments earlier in the book when Mailer visits each fighter’s training and workouts.  Knowing how the fight ends before starting the book, it was amazing to see that some of the popular myths about that fight, such as that Foreman was not prepared, are simply that – myths, not actual events.
Some of the early portions of the book seem to drag, but this is an overall quick read and very entertaining.  As long as the reader keeps in mind the biases and the time period in which this is written, it should be able to be enjoyed by many readers.
Book Format Read:
E-Book (Nook)
Buying Links:


No comments:

Post a Comment