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| "Cymru am byth" "Wales for ever" |
Let's talk about Wales.
I once spent about seven minutes in this country on a tour of Great Britain. The bus pulled in at what I remember to be little more than a rest stop, we all got out and said, "Wow! Wales!" We then proceeded to travel back across the border and on to Chester.
Book-wise, I have spent a bit more time in this country than I did on that one occasion.
In addition to recently reading The Cold Light of Mourning which takes place in North Wales, I recall three other books in which the country - land of rugby, two languages, and singer Sir Tom Jones - is a main character.
On my 2011 Books Read List is the delightful Castles in the Air by Judy Corbett. It tells the true story of her and husband Peter's restoration of a crumbling 16th century mansion, Gwydir Castle in Conwy, and their adventures in dealing with local workman, scurrying critters in the night, and even a ghost or two. They now offer the castle as a bed and breakfast.
Another non-fiction book is Jan Morris's A Writer's House in Wales in which she writes not only about her home, Trefyn Morys, which holds a sweet jumble of books and travel keepsakes, but also about the country - its culture, ways and, well, Welshness.
Finally, the wild and witty Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce which I wrote a little bit about here. The action in this novel concerns what happens when the National Gallery in London is flooded and its paintings are moved to an abandoned slate quarry mine in Manod for safe keeping. The story is told by nine-year-old Dylan Hughes and will have you laughing out loud. Just writing about it makes me want to reread the book.
As far as I know, those four books are the only Wales tales that I have read. Do you have any that come to mind?
I can't think of a single book, but my husband's mother's family came from Wales so one of these days I ought to read a little bit about it at least.
ReplyDeleteJoyce in KS
Joyce, the Jan Morris book would be a great place to begin. She offers information in an entertaining way.
DeleteDear Belle,
ReplyDeleteThe entire Brother Cadfael series of books is set in 11th century Wales. Also, Ellis Peters/Edith Pargeter wrote The Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet fictionalizing the story of the last kings of Wales and their defeat by the English. Another, I think lovely, novel is On The Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin, about two older Welsh brothers.
Well, this is quite a list. I am familiar with but have not read any of the Cadfael books but didn't realize the Welsh connection. 'On the Black Hill' sounds intriguing. I only know Mr. Chatwin from his travel writings. Thank you for your suggestions.
DeleteI picked up a copy of Castles in the Air by Judy Corbett at a recent library sale--it's set in Wales; haven't read it yet, but it looks fun.
ReplyDeleteI think you will like the 'Castles' book. I found it to be quite entertaining. Ms. Corbett has an easy style. I do love a story about refurbishing an old house - especially a castle!
DeleteI've read Peter Ho Davies' The Welsh Girl - it is a end-of-World-War-Two story set in a (Welsh) village with a POW camp nearby. It thought it was an interesting story but just a little bit dull.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of 'The Welsh Girl' but the story sounds intriguing. Thanks for the 'dull' warning though!
DeleteBelle! Please give the writings of Dylan Thomas a try. It can be a challenge but worth the effort. If you can find recordings of his poetry readings possibly at your library you will hear a Welsh voice that's second to none. Richard Burton loved to recite Thomas mimicking the wonderful tone and enunciation of the poet. I still remember being enthralled standing in a crowd of 40,000 Welsh Rugby fans at the Cardiff Arms Park as they belted out their anthem, I recall especially one special Saturday afternoon a lustier rendering of "The Land Of My Fathers" then usual was produced as Price Charles (The Price of Wales) was in attendance, those around me reminded me it wasn't to salute him but to remind him of the independent spirit of "Clyde Cymry"!
ReplyDeleteOf course, Tullik, how could I have forgotten Dylan Thomas. I have a sweet little copy of his "A Child's Christmas in Wales" which I have often read.
DeleteThat day in Cardiff with Prince Charles must have been quite the event. What a great memory for you! I am sure with 40,000 people singing, the melody and words lingered in your head for quite some time. Thanks for sharing that with me.
...did I just say "Price"?
ReplyDeleteI knew who you meant.
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