Cows Can't Jump is a romantic comedy of errors about breaking out, following your dreams, and finding a sense of purpose. How far would you go for love? 18-year-old Billy Reed has few qualifications but is desperate to leave home. He's working a dead-end job as a gravedigger, his parent's marriage is falling apart, his Grandad's engaged to a woman half his age, and he's never been kissed. But when Billy meets Eva, an older, mysterious girl from Switzerland, things start to change. Eva is all that Billy isn't: she's passionate about Russian literature, Gary Numan, windfarms and chai tea, and always ready for adventure. She makes Billy want to break out of his comfort zone and live his life to the fullest. But when Eva returns to Switzerland, Billy is heartbroken. He gambles everything for a chance to be with her: scrambling across Europe, hitch-hiking with truckers, walking with refugees, and encountering suicidal cows. But the further he goes, the harder it is to be sure what he's chasing-and what he's running from.

About the Author
Philip Bowne lives in London and works as a writer for a children's entertainment brand. He went to school in Oxfordshire and went on to study English Literature and Creative Writing at college. While studying, Philip published short stories in literary magazines and anthologies in the UK, US, Canada and Germany. After graduating, he spent time in Europe and the US, working and volunteering in various roles and settings: repairing boats at Lake Como, housekeeping at a mountain lodge in California and working with charity Care4Calais in the former Calais 'jungle' refugee camp. He wrote his debut romantic comedy, Cows Can't Jump, while managing a bar in London. As well as writing for children's TV, Phil also works on a number of independent writing projects, including a musical set in 1970's Soho, London and a sitcom set in a failing leisure centre.

Reviews
"Fans of Kerouac's On the Road will find that Cows Can't Jump adopts a similar blend of angst, growth, and social observation -- but in a European setting. This lively story that will appeal to fans of travelogues and adventure as well as personal growth fiction, bringing the world and its meaning to life through Billy's astute observations. Cows Can't Jump combines a coming-of-age story with a road trip adventure."--Midwest Book Review "Cows Can't Jump announces a major talent. Bowne's touch is light, but his themes resonate: faith, family, race, and (whisper it) Brexit. The prose sparkles like sunshine hitting the English Channel. Philip Bowne is going to be a superstar." --D.D. Johnston, author of Peace, Love & Petrol Bombs; "Cows Can't Jump leapt out for its boldness, confidence and humour. Philip is a gifted and perceptive writer with a fine eye for detail, dialogue and characterisation...a fresh take on the classic rite-of-passage."--Marion Urch, Spotlight First Novel Prize; "A fabulous debut steeped in the wit and prose of a bullish veteran...impossible to put down..." --The Express UK; "Innovative, punchy and tender... maintains a balance of tone, a trueness of voice, laugh-out-loud humour and stiletto-sharp wit. Bowne's debut is a performance of real originality and extraordinary promise. I can't wait to see what he does next." --Ray Robinson, author of Electricity "Part coming-of-age story, part European travel adventure; "Phil Bowne's debut novel deftly mixes laugh-out-loud hijinx with moments of true poignancy, and is filled with memorable scenes and a caste of eclectic, authentic characters. Billy is a brilliant narrator-pilgrim for the next generation." --Tyler Keevil, author of No Good Brother



Book Information
ISBN 9781911107354
Author Philip Bowne
Format Paperback
Page Count 284
Imprint Neem Tree Press Limited
Publisher Neem Tree Press Limited