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.

The author spent much of his life in various cities of the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Seattle and attending college at Gonzaga University in Spokane. Wilkinson taught most 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.