Gloves Off

Raw. Relatable. Re-readable. Unforgettable.

Writing | Bonnie Evie Gifford

When it comes to books for teens, the topic of bullying isn’t exactly new. It’s something that, by the time we reach adulthood and are finally able to start making our own decisions, we will have encountered in some form or another. And yet, somehow, Louisa Reid’s young adult novel, Gloves Off, manages to encapsulate the whole, horrid experience in what feels like a unique and visceral way.

Written in poetic verse, Lily, a teen in secondary school, shares her experience of being mercilessly, physically and emotionally bullied. When a particularly bad incident forces Lily to open up about her experiences, she is introduced to boxing as a way to confront her fears, stand up for herself, and own her own space.

Split between Lily’s perspective and her mother, Bernadette’s, thoughts and feelings, it’s easy to become swept away with Lily’s journey from victimhood to learning to take charge of her life, and discovering her voice. An emotionally taxing read, Lily’s journey feels as refreshingly authentic as it is frustrating.

From our personal expectations to our world view, the adults around us shape us more than we might realise. Throughout Gloves Off, we see how Lily’s life, experiences, and expectations, have been affected by those around her. From her distinctly working-class background and the unsafe estate in which she lives, we see how the pressure to succeed can be as stifling as it can be a source of strength.

While Lily’s relationships with her mother, who shares many of the same weight and confidence struggles, and her father – a supportive and loving, if albeit at times absent, figure – create a complex, often thought-provoking backdrop, it is Lily’s school life that is one of the most frustrating aspects of her story.

Highlighting the failings of over-worked, under-experienced young teachers, it feels like Lily is being failed by a system that should be there to make everyone feel safe and included. While Lily seems able to brush off the failings of her teachers, as a reader, I was left feeling frustrated and angry on her behalf. And this, in many ways, is how the author succeeds in creating such a believable, and heart-wrenching story; we see genuine human failings, rather than easily dismissable villains or malicious intentions from those around her.

Yes. If, like me, you’re unfamiliar with fiction written in poetic verse, it can take a little while to get used to the format, however it’s easy to become lost in the rhythm and authenticity of Lily and Bernadette’s voices. The stylistic choices help readers to feel more connected with Lily in particular, and her thoughts and feelings as you experience each twist and turn along with her.

For teen and young adult readers, getting a glimpse into Lily’s mother’s perspective offers a truly unique take. Highlighting the delicate balance between how parents can teach and guide us, and how they risk passing on their own insecurities and fears to their children, it feels like both parents and teens alike can each get something different, yet equally as valuable, from reading Gloves Off. Offering a stark reminder of how cruel teens can be, Gloves Off is not only a must-read for teens who have experienced bullying themselves, but is an important narrative for all of us. Intrinsically, we want to fit in – we want to be liked. Gloves Off reminds us that using cruel words – or turning away when we see behaviour that we know isn’t right – can have a significant impact, perhaps just as much as that of those who are actively, overtly bullying others.

Touching on so many important subjects, from self-loathing to suicidal thoughts, friendship to social isolation, fat-shaming to building selfesteem, Gloves Off is simply a must-read, no matter your age.