The Pugilist and the Sailor

"This book is so strangely moving and truly funny and sad and beautiful. An impressive debut from a writer already in possession of a unique voice."—Miriam Toews

Bruce and Dougie Reuben are conjoined twins. Dougie is an ambitious amateur boxer and Bruce is a dreamy bookkeeper. As a romantic relationship forms between Bruce and a woman he’s only corresponded with through letters, Dougie’s sole focus is to secure the Heavyweight Amateur Boxing title as one half of “The Reuben Beast”—mysterious blackouts and severe headaches be damned.

The Pugilist and the Sailor examines the unique relationships between conjoined brothers, parents, crushes, and unexpected mentors. A shifting story about the entanglement of longing and belonging, compromise and connection, this novel is ultimately a consideration of family and what it means to find your place both within and beyond it.

© 2025 Invisible Publishing (Ebook): 9781778430725

Release date

Ebook: 16 September 2025