Swiv and her grandmother, being at opposite ends of the age spectrum, are a study in contrasts. While not working on “assignments” she’s been given, or marking assignments she’s given other family members, Swiv assists with household tasks, including assisting Elvira with her needs. Swiv’s mother and grandmother are haphazardly home-schooling Swiv during the period of her expulsion, though not by any curriculum the Board of Education might approve. Despite her many health issues, Elvira remains good-natured. Though many of her friends and acquaintances have already passed away, Swiv’s grandmother Elvira is unafraid of dying and embraces life, refusing to remain shut in the house despite the difficulty of venturing out. Swiv’s pregnant mother is an actress who seems to be constantly in battle with her stage manager. Toews provides us with colourful and unconventional characters. Swiv and Elvira also embark on a journey to Fresno, California to visit Elvira’s nephews. The bulk of the story is set in Toronto, Ontario, where Swiv resides with her family. The latter provides a deeper understanding of the characters and their complex relationships. Conveyed mainly through the viewpoint of Swiv, a nine-year-old girl who has been expelled from school for fighting, the story is told through a blend of present moment and flashbacks. Fight Night, penned by acclaimed Canadian author Miriam Toews, provides the perspectives of three generations of women in the same family in a bitingly funny story about love, courage, and acceptance.
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