Skip to main content
book cover for Flyweight

Flyweight

Sign In or Register Now to see if this title is available for request.

Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app


1

To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

2

Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.

Pub Date Oct 20 2026 | Archive Date Nov 3 2026


Talking about this book? Use #Flyweight #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society’s standards to fight for their place in the ring.

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, though, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it’s up to Lucy to keep the leaking roof over their heads. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin’s former boxing club on a whim—and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Siobhan McCarthy is the niece of Robin’s late coach and a pugilist herself. She’s delighted Lucy stumbled in; it’s hard to find another woman who knows the sport. Siobhan offers her work as a cleaner—with a few bob more if Lucy trains alongside her. Tempting as the offer sounds, Lucy is skeptical, sharing the opinion of society that boxing is a sport unbecoming of a woman.

Days later, an unexpected expense leaves Lucy and her family facing eviction. Desperate, she returns to the club and reluctantly dons the gloves. As Lucy’s love for her husband’s sport is rekindled, she discovers a new joy in her own prowess, but when Siobhan asks her to spar in a public match, Lucy hesitates. Backlash will be certain and swift, risking her family’s future. How much is she willing to sacrifice to earn her place in the ring?

Inspired by true events, Flyweight is a story of the strength and resilience of two women and the lengths they’re willing to go for their families—and equality.

In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society’s standards to fight for their place in the ring.

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling...


Marketing Plan

National reviews and interviews 

National print and digital advertising campaign 

Influencer outreach 

Social media campaign 

Book club marketing 

National reviews and interviews 

National print and digital advertising campaign 

Influencer outreach 

Social media campaign 

Book club marketing 


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9798228532649
PRICE $29.99 (USD)
PAGES 350

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Available to Buy

Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Average rating from 2 members


Featured Reviews

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is an excellent read! If the premise intrigues you at all, it won’t disappoint. But even if you have no interest in combat sports, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy here. More than anything, Flyweight is a story of discovering your own potential, especially in the face of oppressive social standards. Watching Lucy discover the strength of her body and mind was an inspiring, joyful experience—a great reminder to be everything you are, even if others can’t reconcile the different sides of you.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?