Bowlaway

Bertha Truitt, a mysterious woman found unconscious in a cemetery with a bowling ball, candlepin, and fifteen pounds of gold, opens a bowling alley in Salford, Massachusetts, changing the town forever. Elizabeth McCracken's novel "Bowlaway" is an epic family saga set against twentieth-century America, exploring the myths and secrets of a family, their passions, and betrayals, and the ties that bind and divide.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 384 pages
\n Publication date: 14 March 2019
\n Publisher: Vintage Publishing
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From the day she is discovered unconscious in a New England cemetery at the beginning of the twentieth century – nothing but a bowling ball, a candlepin, and fifteen pounds of gold on her person – Bertha Truitt is an enigma to everyone in Salford, Massachusetts. She has no past to speak of, or at least none she is willing to reveal, and her mysterious origin scandalises and intrigues the townspeople, as does her choice to marry and start a family with Leviticus Sprague, the doctor who revived her. But Bertha is plucky, tenacious, and entrepreneurial, and the bowling alley she opens quickly becomes Salford's most defining landmark – with Bertha its most notable resident. She changes the town forever: her singular spirit resonating powerfully through every board, brick, and bone.

In a voice laced with insight and her signature sharp humour, Elizabeth McCracken has written an epic family saga set against the backdrop of twentieth-century America. Bowlaway is both a stunning feat of language and a brilliant unravelling of a family's myths and secrets, its passions and betrayals, and the ties that bind and the rifts that divide.

Bertha Truitt, a mysterious woman found unconscious in a New England cemetery in the early twentieth century, arrives in Salford, Massachusetts, with only a bowling ball, a candlepin, and fifteen pounds of gold on her person. She has no known past and her enigmatic origin scandalises and captivates the townspeople. Despite her unconventional choice to marry Leviticus Sprague, the doctor who revived her, Bertha displays resilience, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She opens a bowling alley, which quickly becomes the most prominent landmark in Salford, earning her the nickname "Bowling Queen."

Bertha's unique personality and indomitable spirit transform the town forever. Her determination and perseverance inspire others, and her bowling alley becomes a hub of community activity. Bertha's influence extends beyond her business ventures, as her singular spirit resonates through every board, brick, and bone of the town. She becomes a beloved figure, a symbol of resilience and determination, and a reminder that even the most unexpected circumstances can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Bowlaway is a masterful exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the power of resilience. Elizabeth McCracken's writing is filled with vivid imagery, rich characters, and a keen sense of place. The novel seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives, revealing the intricate web of relationships within the Truitt family and the town of Salford. Through Bertha's eyes, we witness the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of family life, as well as the broader social and cultural changes that shaped the twentieth-century America.

The novel also delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning. Bertha's journey of self-discovery and her determination to forge her own path challenge the traditional notions of femininity and societal expectations. She defies the stereotypes and expectations placed upon her, carving out a successful business and a fulfilling life for herself. Her story resonates with readers who are seeking to break free from the constraints of societal norms and pursue their own dreams.

Bowlaway is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to capture the essence of human experience. Elizabeth McCracken's writing is masterful, and her characters are unforgettable. The novel is a captivating read that will leave readers pondering the complexities of family, identity, and the pursuit of happiness. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply seeking a powerful and engaging story, Bowlaway is a must-read.

\n Weight: 600g\n
Dimension: 164 x 243 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780224087117\n \n