Literature Help: The Contender

“The Contender” by Robert Lipsyte was first published in 1967. It was the author’s debut novel. Robert Lipsyte is also a sports journalist.

The story of the novel revolves around Alfred Brooks, a seventeen years old black boy. Alfred happens to be a school dropout. He lives with his Aunt Pearl and her three daughters in Harlem, New York City.

Brooks joins a boxing club to get trained as a boxer. He takes it as an alternative to drugs and gang membership.

Literature Help: The Contender
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis