Character Michael in shadow boxing

The narrative is told through Michael's perspective as he recounts happenings from his life spanning from the loss of his sister as a young boy to admitting his father to the hospital as an adult. Michael reflects on his broken upbringing as if it were natural, because it is evident that many other children in his neighborhood experience similar circumstances. However, he is aware at all times that the violence he and others are forced to live with is not right. The term "shadowbox" as seen in the title represents fighting an imaginary component in an imaginary battle - this goes to show the main idea of the book. It reflects many of Michael's challenges throughout the narrative.