Sparring with Shadows

David Martinesi is a first-generation Italian Australian growing up in an inner-city suburb. He is fighting the shadows cast by his Italian upbringing, and this summer he is quietly waiting for change. He is befriended by confident, street-wise Nathan and finally his wishes seem to be coming true, but not all change is good, and tragedy arrives on his doorstep too.

Archimede Fusillo, the son of Italian migrants, was born and grew up in Melbourne. Surrounded by wonderful storytellers, he learnt early on the value of stories in shaping our lives and connecting people, irrespective of backgrounds.
Success with short stories about growing up in a multi­cultural Melbourne led Archie to try his hand at writing a novel. In 1997 his first novel, Sparring With Shadows, was a Notable Children's Book Council of Australia book and went on to be shortlisted for the Italy in the World Literature Awards. He followed this up with The Dons and later Last of the Braves, among others.
Apart from writing full time, Archie loves fishing with his son, shopping with his wife and daughter, and getting away to the Victorian south coast as often as his busy travelling schedule and domineering cat allow.