Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free

Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free is a Coming of Age story as well as a Romance. The central figure, Matt Turner, uncertain of himself, seeks standing and success by pursuing ordination to the Catholic priesthood, only to discover that he is in error and that no role assures one of self fulfillment unless we are where we should be. Matt encounters Carol, a young woman on her own search. Carol, while having much to face on her own journey, becomes Matt's guide and loving companion while they face numerous challenges including danger from a former partner. The story in its largest frame, also considers the elements and themes of Homer's The Odyssey: the struggle to get home or to the place one is truly meant to be.

So many messages become imbedded during our youth. "You are loved." "You are trusted." " You are good." These assurances often remain through a lifetime and build us up. What does one do to shed the negative, destructive messages sent? Is it even possible? In Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free, Matt Turner dedicates his life to the service of others, as a priest and teacher and director, only to discover that the messages of his past haunt him. Carol Triton has learned to survive by her wits and good instincts. She has only made one major error. At a most unusual moment, they meet. Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free is a story about struggling to find the life we hope for, despite the obstacles that arise to challenge us and threaten our journey home.

The author spent much of his life in various cities of the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Seattle and attemding college at Gonzaga University in Spokane. Wilkinson taught must every aspect of high school English in Missoula, Spokane, Portland and Tacoma where he taught in Jesuit high schools for nearly forty years. He directed high school and community theatre throughout that time and beyond and has appeared in numerous plays and musicals. Wilkinson has penned and directed two plays. He written numerous short pieces of fiction. This is his first novel. For the last ten years he and his wife Nancy have lived in Tucson, Arizona.