Canada Reads·Canadian

The Bone Cage

Angie Abdou's novel follows the fortunes of two athletes: a wrestler and a swimmer, both vying for a place on the Canadian Olympic team.

Angie Abdou

This remarkable novel takes readers deep into the gruelling, often solitary world of amateur sports, and follows the fortunes of two athletes: a wrestler and a swimmer, both vying for a place on the Canadian Olympic team. Neither a classic sports novel, nor a simple coming-of-age story, The Bone Cage offers a unique spin on both beloved genres.

The Bone Cage was a contender for Canada Reads 2011, when it was defended by Georges Laraque.

Angie Abdou the author of several books, including the novel In Case I Go and nonfiction book Home IceShe is a professor at Athabasca University.

From the book

Digger has always been a good sweater. He's only just stepped into the sauna and already he can feel the itch of sweat behind his ears, around his hairline, along his spine. It's a natural talent his teammates envy, especially at a time like this. Digger, Ben and Fly lie sprawled in the sauna — cutting weight for the Olympic Trial matches this weekend, freshly flown to Toronto from Calgary this morning. All three are veterans to the routine. First, they unroll the plastics — pants and hooded jackets they crumpled into stinking balls the last time they cut weight. Eventually, they'll pull the clothes on in the sauna, but first they'll get a bit of a sweat going.


From The Bone Cage by Angie Abdou ©2007. Published by NeWest Press.

 

Interviews with Angie Abdou

Shelagh Rogers talks to Canada Reads author Angie Abdou.
Dave White, host of Yukon's Airplay, interviews the Canada Reads authors.
CBC Radio 2's Shift talks music and more with the Canada Reads authors.

More about The Bone Cage

Meet Canada Reads 2011 nominee Angie Abdou

12 years ago
Duration 3:10
Angie Abdou, author of The Bone Cage, talks about her writing career and Canada Reads.

Other books by Angie Abdou

Angie Abdou reads an excerpt from her book, The Bone Cage.

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you.

Sign up now

Comments

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Become a CBC Account Holder

Join the conversation  Create account

Already have an account?

now