Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson

by Wil Haygood
Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 8253
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • ISBN: 9781569766088
  • Publisher: Chicago Review Press
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Sweet Thunder is a powerful novel that delves into the life of a young man navigating the complexities of the 1930s, a time marked by significant historical events and personal challenges. The story is set against the backdrop of a changing world, where the protagonist's experiences are shaped by the era's political and social upheavals. Originally published in 2009, this novel offers a rich tapestry of historical fiction, capturing the essence of the period through vivid descriptions and compelling characters. The author's meticulous attention to detail brings the setting to life, making it a captivating read for those interested in history and personal growth.

Reviews
The Globe and Mail · 2010-03-10
mixed 3.50

The book is a mix of wonder and disappointment, with a magnificent yet maddening portrayal of Sugar Ray Robinson's life. It captures the essence of the era and the fighter's impact on society.

This review highlights the book's ability to be both wonderful and disappointing simultaneously. The reviewer appreciates the vivid portrayal of Sugar Ray Robinson's life and times, noting the book's magnificent storytelling and deep research. However, they also find it maddening at times, suggesting that the book could have been even more perfect with a more balanced approach. The reviewer commends the author for capturing the essence of the era and the fighter's impact on society, making it a significant contribution to sports literature.

Quick quotes

    Here is proof that a book can be wonderful, maddening, magnificent and disappointing all at once.

    It ought to be a perfect match; the story of Sugar Ray Robinson and the story of America in the 1940s and 1950s.

    Haygood's book is certainly one of the best biographies of a boxer ever written.

The New York Times · Pete Hamill · 2009-12-16
excellent 4.50

The book is a deeply researched and superbly written portrait of Sugar Ray Robinson, capturing the essence of his life and times. It is a must-read for fans of sports literature.

Pete Hamill's review highlights the book's deep research and superb writing, which capture the essence of Sugar Ray Robinson's life and times. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to bring the era to life, making it a compelling read. They note that the book is a must-read for fans of sports literature, praising the author's ability to capture the fighter's impact on society. The reviewer also commends the book for its vivid portrayal of the African American experience post-World War I, making it a significant contribution to both sports literature and historical accounts.

Quick quotes

    This book is a wonderful mix of reporting and grace, inspired by the thunder and speed of a much-forgotten champion.

    Deeply researched, superbly written, and a must-read for fans of sports literature.

    Haygood's book is certainly one of the best biographies of a boxer ever written.

Cape Cod Times · 2009-11-29
positive 4.00

The biography excels in its lyrical writing and jazz-inflected prose, providing a fine account of Robinson's career. It offers a rich tapestry of the African American experience post-World War I.

This review praises the book for its lyrical writing and jazz-inflected prose, which beautifully capture Sugar Ray Robinson's career. The reviewer appreciates the rich tapestry of the African American experience post-World War I that the book weaves. They highlight the author's ability to bring the era to life, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes the book's deep research and superb writing, which contribute to its status as one of the best biographies of a boxer ever written.

Quick quotes

    Haygood gives a fine account of Robinson's career, but where this lyrically written biography — with its jazz-inflected prose — truly excels is in its vivid portrayal of the era.

    The sophisticated fighter found inspiration among Harlem's cultural elite.

    This book is a wonderful mix of reporting and grace, inspired by the thunder and speed of a much-forgotten champion.

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