Fighting Ruben Wolfe (Definitions)
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Product Description
Book Description
A fantastic book about fighting against the odds from the author of The Book Thief.
Product Description
I say, 'Don't lose your heart, Rube.' And very clearly, without moving, my brother answers me. He says, 'I'm not tryin' to lose it, Cam. I'm tryin' to find it.'
The Wolfe brothers know how to fight. They've been fighting all their lives. Now there's something more at stake than just winning.
A powerful, poignant novel from the author of the international bestseller, The Book Thief.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The fantastic Mr. Zusak is back, with a long-awaited UK reprint of his early novel Fighting Ruben Wolfe, which was first published in Australia in the year 2000. It's not quite in the same league as The Book Thief, but his excellent writing and characterisation still shines through in true Zusak style.
Brothers Cameron and Ruben Wolfe head up this gritty tale of family and fighting, and show just what determination and a sense of pride can achieve. When their father loses his job and starts struggling to pay the bills, the brothers know they have to do something. An underground boxing ring provides the perfect way to make quick cash, and vent some anger at the same time.
Zusak's depiction of the Wolfe family is so realistic it's hard to remember you're reading about fictional people. They face the prospect of going on the dole, vicious rumours about their daughter's sexual promiscuity and the worrying need for more money. It's refreshing to read about everyday problems like these, rather than exaggerated situations that are impossible to relate to. I don't know whether any of these plot lines stem from personal experience on the author's behalf, but whatever the reason for their inclusion, I'm just glad they're there.
Ruben's fight scenes, though quite harrowing, are action-packed and suspenseful. They'll no doubt be a big hit with the boys, and will give girls an insight into a very male-orientated sport. The same can be said for the male narration. It's such a nice change to be in a guy's head, and to see what they really think about girls, school and life in general.
Fighting Ruben Wolfe is a story about pride, strength and that unbreakable bond between two brothers. It takes a simple premise and gives it depth and emotion, while never straying from the authenticity of the situation. I only wish it was longer, which would have allowed for more development and more time with the Wolfe family. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the sequel, Getting the Girl, will be released here one day, as I need another new Zusak fix as soon as possible.
Brothers Cameron and Ruben Wolfe head up this gritty tale of family and fighting, and show just what determination and a sense of pride can achieve. When their father loses his job and starts struggling to pay the bills, the brothers know they have to do something. An underground boxing ring provides the perfect way to make quick cash, and vent some anger at the same time.
Zusak's depiction of the Wolfe family is so realistic it's hard to remember you're reading about fictional people. They face the prospect of going on the dole, vicious rumours about their daughter's sexual promiscuity and the worrying need for more money. It's refreshing to read about everyday problems like these, rather than exaggerated situations that are impossible to relate to. I don't know whether any of these plot lines stem from personal experience on the author's behalf, but whatever the reason for their inclusion, I'm just glad they're there.
Ruben's fight scenes, though quite harrowing, are action-packed and suspenseful. They'll no doubt be a big hit with the boys, and will give girls an insight into a very male-orientated sport. The same can be said for the male narration. It's such a nice change to be in a guy's head, and to see what they really think about girls, school and life in general.
Fighting Ruben Wolfe is a story about pride, strength and that unbreakable bond between two brothers. It takes a simple premise and gives it depth and emotion, while never straying from the authenticity of the situation. I only wish it was longer, which would have allowed for more development and more time with the Wolfe family. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the sequel, Getting the Girl, will be released here one day, as I need another new Zusak fix as soon as possible.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
Fighting Ruben Wolfe is very short, an afternoon's read at most, but Zusak's battling brothers are more fully realised than many authors manage in ten times as many words. It's story of heart, with heart. Yes, some of the word play is a little, um, cheesy, but it fits with the voice of the narrator struggling to express his feelings in the best way he can. Well worth a few hours investment.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Markus Zusak elicits the true smells, tastes and feelings of Australia and centres its sweaty, gritty atmosphere on the Wolfe family, a family struggling to make end meets with a father out of work, a family with four children each enduring their own paths of personal development. We experience this through the story of Cameron and Ruben who embark on a journey of their own that manifests itself in the guise of bare-fisted boxing. The authenticity of the characters leaves me thinking that they MUST be based on real life people. This is a rather short, beautifully concise novel where every single word of dialogue and description is fundamental to the overall plot and atmosphere. Markus Zusak, one of Australia's most inspired writers, perfects, yet again, the art of imbibing big, adult themes in young adult fiction. Pick it up and be transported to the verandas of Australia and to experience the coming of age of one young boy admiring his older brother - and who could blame him. I too admired him for the overwhelming sense of love he exudes for his family, his determination and his resolve. Try not to cry with this book...I dare you.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Kindle edition
Excellent. V. interesting but a bit of an abrupt ending. Would recommend and would read other titles by this author.
Published 4 months ago by funicular1953
another superb book by the authour of The book thief and Getting the...
Although I preferred Getting the Girl which I had just finished reading, this book delights on many levels. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Simi
Good read
I enjoy all of Zusak books, this is no exception. Well written with engaging characters and good, simple, plot. Although geared towards teenagers it still appeals to me. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Taff
a cracking read
A cracking read, you immediately fall in love with the main characters, the ill adjusted wistful younger brother and the good looking, wise cracking, Ruben. Read more
Published on 28 Mar 2010 by TullulahsBear
The good fight?
`Fighting Ruben Wolfe' tells the story of the Wolfe brothers, Ruben and Cameron, two very different brothers who both have a lot of fight in them, their fight to be understood,... Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2010 by Weave
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