Review of Undefeated: A Novel

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Undefeated: A Novel" by Gillie Basson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Undefeated: A Novel by Gillie Basson is a historical fiction novel inspired by Elizabeth Wilkinson-Stokes. Elizabeth was one of the earliest known female boxers. She was skilled in bare-knuckle fighting and fights with weapons. She never lost and was one of the most famous prizefighters of her time. The book will suit adult readers who enjoy historical fiction with exceptional characters.

Elizabeth first used her fists at age 6. She hit Mary, a doll-like child residing in the same orphanage. At age 9, Elizabeth was sold to the Stockton estate and was forced to fight other children for money. Fighting became a way of life for Elizabeth, with her Amazonian frame being a huge advantage. Elizabeth marries Robert Wilkinson, an inhuman and unpredictable character. He controls Elizabeth’s fighting schedule and takes all the earnings from her successive wins. Robert is a cruel man who inflicts intolerable abuse on Elizabeth. Elizabeth vents her anger when she fights and then turns to gin to numb her pain. The morning after defending her title as an undefeated champion, she joins the masses at St. Sepulchre’s Church. Today is the hanging of a criminal convicted of highway robbery. Elizabeth must look at this villain in the eyes as they take their last breath, although, after this death, her life will never be the same again. Elizabeth believes there is no room in her heart for love. She makes space only for fighting and drinking. Little does she know what she is capable of.

This book immerses you directly into London in the early 1700s. The author brings this period of history to life and depicts London as a melting pot of people trying to survive. Poverty, unsanitary conditions, and crime are abundant, with little opportunity for comfort and safety. The people of the time were entertained by savage fighting and public executions and comforted with tankards of gin. The London streets are threatening and unwelcoming to those in need and offer little opportunity to those without financial means. I particularly enjoyed these descriptions of London.

Elizabeth has been brought back to life in this novel. She is a fascinating character who achieved the remarkable title of an undefeated champion. Her success was not an easy accomplishment, especially for a woman in this era. Her character is complex and well-developed. Her emotional journey is just as interesting as her professional one. It is a pleasure to read about her opening her heart and experiencing more from life than fighting and alcoholism.

I loved all the characters. There are lovable good guys and despicable bad guys. Every emotion is felt in this book. The characters experience love, loss, fear, and tragedy. The writing is heartfelt and on occasion brought tears to my eyes. The author has a wonderful creative style and is skilled in delivering emotive literature. I especially liked how the author has taken the bones of a prominent woman in history and written a beautiful story around her that honours her accomplishments.

The book is excellently edited. I loved the story and the instant immersion into the streets of London. Elizabeth is an amazing character with a unique story. All the characters are entertaining and provide an emotional reading experience. I found it fascinating learning about the art of prizefighting, and I particularly enjoyed Elizabeth’s fights. I found nothing to dislike about this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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Undefeated: A Novel
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[Mark Lazarus]

The story of a fierce, undefeated female boxer navigating the harsh realities of 18th-century London sounds incredibly compelling. The vivid depiction of the era’s gritty streets and brutal entertainment, combined with the emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey, makes it seem like an immersive read. I’m particularly drawn to how the book explores resilience and empowerment despite unimaginable hardships. Knowing that it’s based on a real historical figure adds another layer of intrigue. This definitely sounds like a novel I’d consider picking up, especially to experience the powerful character development and historical atmosphere.