The book s first two stories are narrated by wizened but wise corner men who seek vindication. Fightin in Philly features trainer Odell Blue, cut man Con Flutey, and middleweight Mookie Bodeen, and explores how the dream of success punishes its pursuers. Individually, most of Toole s stories are compelling. They are bittersweet, simultaneously somber and life affirming. Sportswriter Allan Barra is correct when he suggests, Toole has a talent for illuminating the thoughts of the near illiterate but streetwise.
Examples are plentiful.
It ain t about the fighter using his strength, it about him delivering force. Boxing a mind game once you know the physical part. Taken together, though, the stories in Rope Burns are less than satisfying. For one thing, despite some slight variations, they are too similar to one another. Ultimately the combinations Toole throws become predictable.