FIELD RAMBLE

Soft tissue Damage

Field Ramble with Anna Whitwham

Published by Rough Trade Books

On this episode, we speak to Anna Whitwham about Soft Tissue Damage, her startling account of a healing found in controlled violence. Published by Rough Trade Books on 27.03 it charts both the loss of Anna’s mother to cancer and her subsequent choice to battle unresolved anger in the boxing ring. From early sparing sessions to the draining seconds of the final round, Anna writes both with immediacy and unflinching honesty. What emerges is an exploration of the pain we choose, the impossible opponent in grief and the strange self-possession that fighting can offer.

It’s a book filled with voices from just the other side of the ropes too. Sparring partners, dance partners, a new partner - a daughter, a coach and a grandfather. All have a role to play in Soft Tissue Damage. Each, a presence that in some small but vital way means Anna never walks into the ring alone.

‘A compelling, visceral and tender book about grief and loss, life and death, identity and sexuality, written by a daughter, a mother and an aspiring fighter.’

DONALD McRAE

‘An astounding book, moving between shadow and light with an honesty and self-awareness I found completely compelling. There is a power to being vulnerable, but also a power to fighting back. Whitwham does both these things with eloquence and fire.’

JESSIE BURTON

FIELD RAMBLE with anna WHITWHAM

Thanks as ever to Huw Marc Bennett for the use of his music. And to Daniel Avery for the sample taken from Hazel and Gold at the end of the episode

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Music Used:

Y Gwydd Huw Marc Bennett