‘There's a Hemingwayesque minimalism about this writing, but in Hemingway the pathos was reined in more. In the 10 linked stories in Shadowboxing, the pathos is often barely contained and the effect is quite shattering ... Birch’s descriptions of the lower socio-economic world of inner Melbourne in the ‘60s are brilliant and he evokes, with a curious nostalgia, a claustrophobic world that anyone would be lucky to escape from unscathed. He has a great ability to pare down his prose, laying bare the raw flesh of the matter in the process. Despite their rigours, the stories are engaging, with flashes of larrikin humour. The book is even something of a page-turner at times, although the calamity of one page often leads only to heartbreak on the next.’
Phil Brown, The Australian
‘Tony Birch's debut Shadowboxing encapsulates what (Helen) Garner identifies as "the dangerous and exciting breakdown of the old boundaries between fiction and non-fiction" … Shadowboxing also transcends the boundaries between the novel and the short-story collection.’
Ceridwen Spark, Sydney Morning Herald
‘Overall, Shadowboxing is a powerful and immensely moving read ... Birch is to be commended for his frank exploration of a rage of social and historical issues ... Throughout the book, Birch engages readers with his vivid prose and array of characters who, inspiringly, are able to "shadowbox" their way through often crippling odds.’
Jay Thompson, Melbourne Historical Journal
‘These are stories whose universal themes are brought to the fore by lucid prose that, in bearing unblinking witness to hardship, sows the seeds of poetry, if not grace.’
Steve Gome, Australian Book Review
‘... think Angela’s Ashes set in 1960s Fitzroy ...’
Brooke Davis, Australian Bookseller & Publisher
‘The stories are told in a simple and succinct but nonetheless emotional and hard-hitting style.’
Peter Barrett, Armidale Express
‘[Shadowboxing is a] well-written slice-of-life book’.
Anne Susskind, Bulletin
‘Beautiful yet bittersweet, Shadowboxing will have you addicted to the exploits of a young boy and the merciless world in which he lives. This memorable and imaginative piece marks the beginning of spectacular things to come for Birch and Australian literature.’
Amanda Wright, Entropy
‘Birch’s writing is sparse but lyrical. The stories are beautifully written and the characters are richly drawn.’
Larissa Behrendt, National Indigenous Times
‘This is a remarkable piece of writing.’
David Christie, Newcastle Herald
‘The style is sparse, and riveting; the stories full of emotion ... this is an impressive debut that makes compulsive reading.’
Pittwater Life
‘A fine collection of stories about growing up in the Melbourne working-class suburb of Fitzroy in the 1960s. Sparse, understated, king-hit prose.’
Paul Robinson, Qantas The Australian Way
‘The writing is beautifully spare and controlled, skilfully unfolding Michael’s growth towards manhood. From the heat of the streets to the cool refuge of the Yarra River, Shadowboxing is a superb portrayal of a time and place. Brilliant storytelling.’
Robbie Egan, Readings newsletter
‘Told in spare unadorned prose, the stories are an intruiging look at the past, showing the poverty of people's lives in the so called "good old days", of loss and destruction, of urban renewal, as all the time the bulldozers are closing in.’
Fran Light, SAETA Newsletter
‘A powerful debut, without sentiment.’
Di Hamilton, Sunday Examiner
‘An important work, and a great read as well. In a word: Engrossing’
Mary Vernon, Townsville Bulletin
‘A Fitzroy childhood comes to life in Melbourne writer Tony Birch’s impressive debut.’
Who Magazine
‘Compelling and occasionally heart-breaking … Birch writes with a lightness that allows the drama to come from the story itself.’
Amber Evans, Independent
‘Birch's writing is unshowy but affecting, capturing a community on the brink of dispersal.’
David Evans, Independent on Sunday
‘Utterly enthralling … highly recommended.’
Morag Adlington, We Love This Book
‘Riveting, vivid and very immediate.’
Charlie Baylis, Neon
