Review: Fanny Berk Strikes Back by Avi Luxenburg

An uplifting and original story about the power of heroism, discipline, and self-knowledge, Fanny Berk Strikes Back: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Hero by Avi Luxenburg is a hard-hitting YA novel layered with wisdom.

Fanny Berk is doing what she can to overcome the antisemitic horrors of her past, namely learning karate and avoiding the various predators and sharks that roam the halls of her high school. Her kindhearted instincts make it difficult to turn away from someone in need, and after unlocking a new realm of cognitive Flow, Fanny starts taking matters into her own hands. Relying more and more on her “instinctual inner strategist,” Fanny finds herself moving through the world with an entirely new perspective, simultaneously mastering her emotions and the nascent powers she has discovered, while stepping into the role of silent hero.

When her newfound abilities and noble nature land her in dangerous waters with real-life villains, rather than schoolyard bullies, her discipline and mental fortitude are put to the test. Most importantly, she must learn how to channel her righteous rage into productive paths of healing and helping, rather than the cruelty and violence encouraged by those with power in the world.

Thematically, this book explores everything from social alienation, bullying, and self-confidence to consent, bodily autonomy, and mental regulation. Negative self-talk that impacts self-esteem affects people both young and old, and Fanny’s relationship with her inner voice is a notable model for a healthy, albeit demanding, relationship with all of the emotions and decisions that make up daily life. Fanny’s inner voice was a bold choice by the author, acting as a character of its own, and these internal conversations can be a helpful aspect for young readers who struggle with their own uncertainties, intrusive thoughts, and the whispers at the back of their mind, which can be both helpful and harmful.

Displaying inner thoughts in this way is also a clever literary device that allows Luxenburg to sidestep the common trap of telling, rather than showing. The integration of martial arts philosophy and mindset adds yet another valuable layer to the story, suggesting another avenue for better self-regulation and awareness. Questions of identity, confidence, self-defense, and choosing your battles wisely are woven throughout this empowering tale that feels more timely than ever, given that the online and offline world are providing new ways to distort one’s sense of self.

On a technical level, the writing is engaging and patient, allowing for moments of lyricism and description, but also pushing the story forward at an even and persistent pace. There are instances of redundant vocabulary, even in the same page or paragraph, as well as some fluff in the narration – for instance, some of the school scenes begin to feel somewhat repetitive, while details of the Berkowitz family backstory are compelling and plot-driving. Overall, Luxenburg curates consistent suspense with well-timed chapter breaks and subtle insinuations, as well as snippets of reflection that draw readers in without revealing too much too soon.

Given the tricky subject matter being addressed, there was plenty of opportunity for the author to falter in his messaging, but the novel is a thought-provoking, well-penned, and honest portrait of overwhelming emotions, and how to control them.