May
05

Is there more to Welsh literature than Dylan Thomas?

The Hay Festival 2010 is upon us, but does your knowledge of Welsh literature begin and end with Dylan Thomas?

Peter Vokes, a PhD in literature from the University of Glamorgan, suggests some  welsh writers that offer a alternative perspective on the culture, history and psyche of Wales.

Aberystwyth P.I.

How about a weird and alternative take on Aberystwyth from one of Wales’ leading crime writers. Malcolm Pryce’s Aberystwyth series follows the exploits of the town’s leading hard-boiled detective Louis Knight, as he attempts to solve such mysteries as why someone would want to kill a Santa and what actally happened on Pumlumon?

Written by a self-acknowledged former BMW assembly-line worker, hotel washer-up, aluminium salesman, deck hand on a yacht, and advertising copywriter, this darkly comic series is a skilled and funny account of the seedier side of Wales. Even if you’ve been to Aberystwyth this will make you look at the town in a whole new light.

A nostalgic view of Wales through a childs eyes

If you’d rather a touching, nostalgic look at a part of Welsh life that has disappeared forever, then you should read Eiluned Lewis. Her beautiful and evocative novel, ‘Dew on the Grass’, introduces you to Lucy a young accident-prone, girl who closely observes the changing world around her.

At times laugh out loud funny it also seems to capture the spirit of an age long since past. Eiluned Lewis, whilst being a successful novelist, could also claim JM Barrie as a close family friend who often visited the family home in Montgomeryshire.

Wales by way of Dreams, Myth and Magic

For a trip around Wales involving a spiritual journey, an assortment of Welsh historical characters, and big showdowns then what about Lloyd Jones.

Both ‘Mr Cassini’ and ‘Mr Vogel’ are fascinating explorations of the scenery and cultural history of Wales discovered by engaging characters who lurch between dream, daydream and reality.

Brilliantly detailed, and aside from the compelling stories, you’re sure to learn more about the myths and legends that matter to Wales. After nearly dying of alcoholism Lloyd Jones quit drinking and walked completely around Wales, a journey of more than a thousand miles, an expedition that seems to have heavily influenced his novels.

Valleys life, philosophy and satirical humour

What about one of the heavyweights of Welsh writing in English … Gwyn Thomas.

Not only a great novelist and playwright, but also an extremely funny radio and TV personality, reviewer, critic, and contributor to Punch.

His novels often deal with the great changes wrought by the demise of the coal industry in Wales, when asked to describe his own style of writing he tentatively termed it “Chekov and Chips”.

Though occasionally bleak his novels also contain great moments of humour and an entrancing lyricism that he used to describe the country that he loved.

A poets perspective

And if you’d rather read poetry, then have you tried Gwyneth Lewis. An extremely adept writer in both English and Welsh, winner of many prizes and the first National Poet of Wales she has published many collections of poetry in both languages, and an account of her attempted round-the-world voyage setting sail from Cardiff.

Always original, often controversial, but always compelling and readable her poetry deals not only with Wales but with philosophical ideas, conflict, and her Welsh identity.

She is also the author of the words that adorn the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

Let us know your your suggestions

These are just a handful of the many great writers that have written in English about Wales, but there are so many more for you to discover. We would love to hear your thoughts.

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