• Cathartic and hilarious novel about growing up under the shadow of Brexit
• A young man escapes his dysfunctional family and middle England by running away to Europe
• Anti-romance set against the backdrop of 2016 - Trump, Brexit, total uncertainty!
• Coming of age in a race across Europe, the protagonist desperately searching for the girl he loves.
• A comedy of errors. Growing up the hard way in Brexit Britain, and then finding your way out of it!

How far would you go for love?

Winner of the Spotlight First Novel prize, Philip Bowne's debut novel is an explosive coming-of-age odyssey. 18-year-old Billy is desperate to leave home. He's working the ultimate dead-end job as a grave-digger. His Grandad's engaged to a woman half his age, his Dad's become obsessed with boxing, and his Mum's certainly having an affair. Everything is changing, and Billy hates it.

Meeting the older, mysterious Eva, though, changes everything. She's passionate about Russian literature, Gary Numan, windfarms and chai tea, and Billy gambles everything for a chance to be with her. His scramble across Europe involves hitch-hiking with truckers, walking with refugees, and an encounter with suicidal cows. But the further he goes, the harder it is to be sure what he's chasing - and what he's running from.

For everyone who wants to break out and follow their dreams.

REVIEWS

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


Tyler Keevil

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


D.D. Johnston

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


Marion Urch

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


Ray Robinson

A fabulous debut steeped in the wit and prose of a bullish veteran…impossible to put down. -The Express UK
The Express