New Releases
Pearl, Talonbooks, March 31, 2026
The making of a poem is like the making of a pearl – you take something gritty and create a jewel. George Bowering’s final book of poetry, Pearl, follows this impulse, sprawling in search of the next glimmering insight, tugging at different threads with a multifarious large-heartedness. Pearl centres around a promise Bowering made to himself that one day he would write a poem about his mother, Pearl Bowering – a hillbilly, athlete, and champion bridge player. This promised poem anchors a book about the grit of life and what poetry can make from it. Touching, ribald, and cheeky, Pearl reflects on a life well-lived and well-written.
Barefoot Gringo, UBC Press, On Point Press, May 2026
Bringing a seasoned and highly regarded Canadian voice to the travel writing tradition, George Bowering unveils a deep love of life, food, and all things Mexico. Drawing on his time spent as a foreigner in Latin America, Bowering traces his footsteps to linger on the joy found in the little things.
Barefoot Gringo, set against a Mexican backdrop, ventures beyond travel and into engaging discussions of literature, politics, the art of aging gracefully and humorously, and, of course, Bowering’s life as a writer. With his classic tongue-in-cheek humour, Bowering reflects on his growth, both in his personal and professional life, poignantly capturing his passion and appreciation for those who surround him and the world he inhabits.
An anthem to Bowering’s insatiable appetite for life, Barefoot Gringo provides snapshots of daily life in a small Mexican fishing village through Canadian eyes, rendering his memoir a love letter for travellers, writers, and long-time readers alike.