Unflinching, beautifully written, and disturbingly relevant. J.A. Nunn nailed this one.

5/5 Stars — A Powerful, Unflinching Look at Identity, Belonging, and America’s Darker Truths

The Stuff What Actually Is took me by surprise in the best way. J.A. Nunn delivers a moving, deeply human story about a young man trying to find his place in a country he thought he understood — only to realize how much lies beneath the surface.

Mervyn Gower is an unforgettable protagonist. His journey from scrappy boxer and outsider to a man reckoning with injustice, prejudice, and his own complicity is handled with remarkable heart and nuance. The novel doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of 1940s America — from the blatant racism of the Jim Crow South to the shocking disparities between how people were treated based on race and nationality — but it also captures the quiet moments of courage, empathy, and awakening that can change a person’s life.

The boxing backdrop adds grit and urgency to the story, while the rich historical detail immerses you in a time period that feels both distant and disturbingly familiar. Nunn’s writing is sharp, heartfelt, and layered with meaning, making this not just a great historical novel but a vital reminder of the conversations we’re still having today.

If you’re drawn to character-driven historical fiction with social commentary and a beating heart, The Stuff What Actually Is is an absolute must-read.
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