"Bowlaway" is a novel written by Elizabeth McCracken, an American author known for her distinctive storytelling style. Published in 2019, the book is a multi-generational family saga that revolves around a candlepin bowling alley in the fictional town of Salford, Massachusetts.
The narrative begins in the early 20th century with the mysterious Bertha Truitt, who appears in Salford with a bag of gold and a desire to build a bowling alley. As she establishes the "Bowlaway" alley, the story unfolds to encompass the lives of the town's residents and their connections to the Truitt family.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the passage of time. It introduces a cast of eccentric characters, each grappling with their own personal struggles and secrets. The bowling alley becomes a central hub that ties together the diverse threads of the community.
Through different generations, McCracken weaves a tapestry of family dynamics, unexpected relationships, and the impact of the past on the present. The prose is often praised for its lyrical quality and the author's ability to infuse humor into poignant moments.
"Bowlaway" has received acclaim for its originality, rich character development, and the author's skill in creating a vivid sense of place. McCracken's storytelling prowess shines in this novel, offering readers a unique and compelling exploration of human connections against the backdrop of a small-town bowling alley.