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Berwyn
Berwyn in the Dee Valley, North Wales 1864 The railway is coming to the Dee valley, and there is a feeling of change in the hillside air. The valley also has a new, young and spirited doctor. Dr Richard Lloyd has turned his back on a successful career as a London surgeon. He has followed his dream, returned home, and bought a small, rural practice. But Richard is now torn between his fiancée’s wish to return to London and a heartfelt longing for his homeland. And then an explosion in Berwyn railway tunnel changes everything in Richard’s life. William Griffiths, a wealthy businessman and investor in the new railway, despises Richard. Richard hates how William’s greed for money and power, harms his patients. Their conflict becomes personal and bitter. Richard fights to save the practice and his way of life. Hard times in the valley, and the threat of the workhouse, result in many seeking a better life. Emigration is often the only option, and a new settlement is planned in Patagonia.
332 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 22, 2023
I was given a free copy of this novel by the publisher, Rowanvale Books. All opinions are honest, and I have not been paid to write this review.
The story held my interest well, and I found myself reading through it quite quickly. I became invested in the characters, specifically Richard, Owen and Elin. In my opinion, the novel relies on character to form interest, rather than a specific goal that the plot needs to meet. Therefore, I found the characters to be one of the stronger elements of this story.
I found the strongest and most interesting element was the setting and attention to detail. The inclusion of Welsh names and locations helps create a clear setting. The attention to historic detail was also incredibly interesting and added to the overall setting. For example, mentions of the Welsh Not, the Welsh migration to Patagonia and Betsi Cadwaladr. These inclusions helped accomplish two aims; establishing a Welsh setting, and enriching the reader with Welsh history. As I was unfamiliar with the history, I found this to be my favourite aspect of the novel.
This novel is a good read overall. The only thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars are a few issues I had with characters in the plot, as well as some elements of the story that I found were detrimental to the experience.
I would still definitely recommend this book
The story held my interest well, and I found myself reading through it quite quickly. I became invested in the characters, specifically Richard, Owen and Elin. In my opinion, the novel relies on character to form interest, rather than a specific goal that the plot needs to meet. Therefore, I found the characters to be one of the stronger elements of this story.
I found the strongest and most interesting element was the setting and attention to detail. The inclusion of Welsh names and locations helps create a clear setting. The attention to historic detail was also incredibly interesting and added to the overall setting. For example, mentions of the Welsh Not, the Welsh migration to Patagonia and Betsi Cadwaladr. These inclusions helped accomplish two aims; establishing a Welsh setting, and enriching the reader with Welsh history. As I was unfamiliar with the history, I found this to be my favourite aspect of the novel.
This novel is a good read overall. The only thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars are a few issues I had with characters in the plot, as well as some elements of the story that I found were detrimental to the experience.
I would still definitely recommend this book
April 25, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free uncorrected proof version of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. I have not been paid to review this book.
Overall this is a good little book. I found it was quite a quick read and I didn’t struggle to engage with the storyline. The characters come across well and I think that’s what helps to keep you invested in the book as the storyline itself isn’t that action-packed/dramatic. I don’t think I like the cover artwork that much so if I’d seen that beforehand I don’t think I would have immediately been drawn to this book on the shelves – give this book a try as it does read very well and there is a lot of attention paid to filling in the details and describing the locations for the reader. I loved learning about some of the Welsh history that is explored within the book and it made me research into it further which is great.
I think for me the reason I’ve only given it a 3 star rating is because I feel the new front cover lets it down a bit and it just didn’t wow me enough to want to give it a second read through.
Overall this is a good little book. I found it was quite a quick read and I didn’t struggle to engage with the storyline. The characters come across well and I think that’s what helps to keep you invested in the book as the storyline itself isn’t that action-packed/dramatic. I don’t think I like the cover artwork that much so if I’d seen that beforehand I don’t think I would have immediately been drawn to this book on the shelves – give this book a try as it does read very well and there is a lot of attention paid to filling in the details and describing the locations for the reader. I loved learning about some of the Welsh history that is explored within the book and it made me research into it further which is great.
I think for me the reason I’ve only given it a 3 star rating is because I feel the new front cover lets it down a bit and it just didn’t wow me enough to want to give it a second read through.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews