A review by curatoriallyyours
Grimmish by Michael Winkler

adventurous challenging funny reflective medium-paced

4.5

An odd little book about a man and his not-uncle that he calls an uncle, who are discussing the not-uncle’s memories of an Italian boxer named Joe Grim. My understanding is that Grim is a real boxer who came out to Australia during his boxing career. He was famous for being able to withstand insane amounts of pain and for being nearly impossible to knock out. This strange tale goes places you don’t expect and is an intriguing read. Alongside Grim’s tale, the man and his not-uncle talk about writing and words in an almost poetic way, and they explore the link between masculinity and violence. It’s weird and I feel like not everyone who picks this book up will like its quirks as much as I did. Well worth it for those who enjoy a strange tale well told.