Canada ReadsCanadian

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

CBC Books CBC News Posted: Feb 16, 2017 2:52 PM EST | Last Updated: July 22, 2021

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 Abdouthe author of severalbooks, including thenovelIn Case I Goand nonfiction bookHome Ice.She is a professorat 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

Canada Reads18:44"The Bone Cage" author Angie Abdou interview on the Next Chapter

Shelagh Rogers talks to Canada Reads author Angie Abdou.

Canada Reads7:54Canada Reads 2011: Nominee Angie Abdou on Airplay

Dave White, host of Yukon's Airplay, interviews the Canada Reads authors.

Canada Reads11:01Canada Reads 2011: Nominee Angie Abdou on Shift

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

14 years ago

3:10

Angie Abdou, author of The Bone Cage, talks about her writing career and Canada Reads.

Other books by Angie Abdou

Canada Reads19:36Canada Reads 2011: Author Angie Abdou reads from "the Bone Cage"

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

Add some good to your morning and evening.