Bow Grip: A Novel Book

Bow Grip is a heartwarming and captivating novel that I read in a couple of sittings, and not because I was under pressure to finish it for a fast approaching book club meeting.

It is the story of Joey, a mechanic residing in Drumheller, Alberta, who finds himself drifting aimlessly after his wife leaves him and moves to Calgary with another woman. His mother and sister are troubled by his state and encourage him to take up a hobby before he ends up on Prozac. Coincidentally he ends up trading an old beat up Volvo for a beautiful handmade cello. With a new hobby and a desire for change in his life, Joey embarks on a getaway to Calgary where he intends to drop off the last of his wife's possessions, search out a cello teacher and perhaps learn more about the new Volvo owner. Joey checks into a rundown motel and upon realizing that he is momentarily free from the rumour mill of small community living, opens up to a couple of characters about his life, his wife leaving him for another woman, his sperm count and other matters that he considers private and best kept to himself.

I found the main character likeable and growing up in Alberta, recognized the backdrop and landscape descriptions. I was also able to appreciate the author's interesting observation of Calgary; a city where there are more artistically painted cows than pay phones.

I highly recommend this book.