A sweeping and enchanting new novel from the widely beloved, award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken about three generations of an unconventional New England family who own and operate a candlepin bowling alley
From the day she is discovered unconscious in a New England cemetery at the turn of the twentieth centurynothing but a bowling ball, a candlepin, and fifteen pounds of gold on her personBertha 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 scandalizes 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 Salfords most defining landmarkwith Bertha its most notable resident.
When Bertha dies in a freak accident, her past resurfaces in the form of a heretofore-unheard-of son, who arrives in Salford claiming he is heir apparent to Truitt Alleys. Soon it becomes clear that, even in her death, Berthas defining spirit and the implications of her obfuscations live on, infecting and affecting future generations through inheritance battles, murky paternities, and hidden wills.
In a voice laced with insight and her signature sharp humor, 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 unraveling of a familys myths and secrets, its passions and betrayals, and the ties that bind and the rifts that divide.
Discover the captivating and richly imagined world of *Bowlaway: A Novel* by award-winning author Elizabeth McCracken, a sweeping saga of an unconventional New England family spanning three generations. This large print edition offers an immersive reading experience into a tale steeped in mystery, humor, and the enduring power of family secrets. At the turn of the 20th century, the enigmatic Bertha Truitt appears in Salford, Massachusetts, with a bowling ball, a candlepin, and fifteen pounds of gold, but no past she's willing to share. Her mysterious arrival sets the town abuzz, especially when she marries Dr. Leviticus Sprague, the man who revived her. Bertha's entrepreneurial spirit leads her to open a candlepin bowling alley, quickly transforming it into Salford's most iconic landmark and herself into its most unforgettable resident. But Bertha's past remains a tightly guarded secret, and her sudden death in a bizarre accident unlocks a Pandora's Box of long-buried truths. The unexpected arrival of a previously unknown son, claiming to be the rightful heir to Truitt Alleys, throws the family into turmoil. His appearance forces the descendants to confront the weight of Bertha's obfuscations and the far-reaching consequences of her hidden life. McCracken masterfully weaves together a tapestry of inheritance battles, murky paternities, and concealed wills, as each generation grapples with the legacy of Bertha Truitt. The novel explores the intricacies of family dynamics, the bonds that unite, and the rifts that threaten to tear them apart. Experience McCracken's signature blend of sharp wit and profound insight as she delves into the heart of a family's myths, passions, and betrayals. *Bowlaway* isn't just a story about bowling; it's a story about the American Dream, reinvention, and the enduring power of the past. Its a book that critics have lauded for its vibrant characters, its quirky charm, and its exploration of how we define ourselves and our families. It's a poignant and often hilarious examination of love, loss, and the secrets we keep even from those closest to us. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era and swept away by the unforgettable Truitt family in this uniquely American tale. A must-read for fans of literary fiction, historical novels, and character-driven stories. *Bowlaway* will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This large print edition provides enhanced readability for a more comfortable and enjoyable reading experience. Don't miss out on this captivating novel from one of America's most beloved authors.