Monica

by Saunders Lewis, Meic Stephens (Translator), Bruce Griffiths (Introduction)

Opinion on Monica has been deeply divided since its publication in 1930. Saunders Lewis's first novel was fiercely attacked by Welsh-speaking critics for its portrayal of sexual obsession and manipulation. For the first time the psychology which was such a feature of the work of contemporary authors was brought into Welsh fiction. And for the first time sex, prostitutes and venereal diseases were given prominence in a Welsh novel. Despite outraged accusations of immorality, Monica is a novel with deep moral foundations, describing as it does the short-comings of a relationships based on infatuation and physical passion.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, 20th Century, Literature

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Saunders Lewis was a Welsh poet, dramatist, historian, literary critic, and political activist. He was a prominent Welsh nationalist and a founder of Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru (the National Party of Wales), later known as Plaid Cymru. Lewis is usually acknowledged as one of the most prominent figures of 20th century Welsh-language literature. He was a 1970 Nobel nominee for literature, and in 2005 was 10th in a BBC Wales poll to name Wales' greatest-ever person. (wikipedia)

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Adolygiad un gair : diflas!

This was my second attempt at reading "Monica", which is an important Welsh novel (mercifully short), first published in 1930. It caused some scandalised comments when it was published, partly because of its open discussion of sex (though to be honest there isn't that much of that in the book. Difficult to appreciate perhaps how much things have changed in 80+ years!)

Monica is pregnant, and has moved to Swansea from Cardiff with her husband, who was originally her sister's fiancé. Before meeting him she spent most of her time at home with her sick mother, and nothing much happened to her other than an unfulfilled desire for marriage. The whole novel is tedious and depressing, although it is also said to be groundbreaking in its treatment of sexual frustration and sin (Saunders Lewis was a Catholic convert: there's no overt religion here but there is a sense of guilt and retribution). The sex is largely implied, and indeed not much actually seems to happen at all (how do the characters know what is going on? It is not obvious!). The language is very literary (too much so for its subject matter, I think: it seems very stiff, e.g. for the reported speech of a philandering ex-rugby player in a Swansea pub, and the description of cat exudate in the bedroom). The ending is, apparently, tragic, and yet we do not actually know (everyone takes it for granted but it is not 100% clear).

For me, the novel is redeemed a bit by its sharp portrayal of the snobbery, and cruelty, of Monica's suburban neighbours, and this: "Dysgodd Monica ymhellach fod Mrs. Huws yn raddedig yn mhrifysgol Cymru, a chan fod Monica yn ddiniwed credodd fod hynny yn arwydd o ddiwylliant". ("Monica further learned that Mrs. Huws was a graduate of the University of Wales, and as Monica was naïve she believed that this was a sign of culture"). Ouch! I was reading the recently published edition which is part of Gomer's "classic" series, and it has a good introduction by Simon Brooks and is really nicely produced in hard cover on decent paper, unlike most Welsh novels (flimsy paperbacks which fall apart on use). Other than that, though, I can't say I feel the urge to read it again.

[Sammi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

"Monica recalled the idols of her youth, Cleopatra and Pompador: what had they been in not whores?"

- Read for Boxall's 1001 books to read before you die. Translated from Welsh. - Stated as being an important piece of Welsh literature and was a bit scandalous for being published in the 1930's.

General thoughts: A quick read, this wasn't that bad it's well written (& well translated) and the story may be interesting to someone, just not me.

Personally, I think this one (& a few other of recent Boxall list reads) I may have enjoyed better reading later in life (in my 40's, or even 60's etc.) when there is more life to reflect upon.

Monica revolves around a pregnant lady (Monica) who is married to Bob (her sister's ex boyfriend) and they generally have an unhappy relationship, which is kind of spiraling at this time: Monica is convinced she is going to die and low-key wants to and Bob low-key also wants her to.

The ending... I do have some questions?! Quite the cliff-hanger!

Also, I am not a fan of this cover (this is the only cover I've seen looking up this book). I think it's supposed to be Monica but she's described as looking 32 with short blonde hair & I just don't get those vibes from this cover.

[Sandy (Ms Reads A Lot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say that this is a very short book at 90 pages which is how I read it so quickly.

I was actually expecting something much more graphic after reading the synopsis on the back of the book. There was apparently a lot of outrage when it was first released.

By today’s standards, this is exceptionally tame. Nothing explicit and graphic.

Monica is a very difficult character to like. She does a number of things that are despicable including stealing a fiancé from her sister. We meet Monica for the first time after she is already married and pregnant. The story of how she met her husband is told as she relates the first part to a neighbor, almost like a flashback.

She is definitely manipulative both before and after her marriage and is very unhappy about her pregnancy. She basically lays in bed for several pages and doesn’t want to do anything. Her husband turns to another woman and catches a venereal disease. Monica finds the medication and realizes what he has done and decides to track him down!

The last scene is her husband leaving the doctor and someone exclaiming “what’s that woman doing on the pavement? Hey, help, help”. End of book.

I only have this 3 stars because it jumped around in the beginning in a way that seemed unnecessary.
We also are not given enough details about what is going on with her illness. The author did an excellent job of making Monica unlikeable though..

So 3 ⭐️. Not the best book I have read and not the worst.

[Monty Milne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a strange and rather unpleasant book, though mercifully short. It was written by a Welsh Nationalist who hated Wales, and is a forensic examination of the stultifying misery of lower-middle-class Welshness. What is uncovered is not pretty in its limited horizons and obsession with poisonous gossip. It is rather alarming that the author apparently based the events of the novel on a true story. It is also faintly alarming that he may have intended it as some kind of reflection on his conversion to Catholicism. As a morality tale it may have some kind of power – everybody gets an even worse comeuppance than they deserve – but if it is meant to be a tale of redemption it is far too bleak to be effective.

One critic described this as “a shallow story, leaving a foul taste in the mouth.” I am inclined to agree.

[Sam Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Os ydach chi am flas ar fywyd y 1930au ewch ati i ddarllen hon. Mae'n stori syml a mwynhadwy, ond ces i fy siomi gan y diweddglo a ddealla i ddim pam fo'r gyfrol hon mor ddadleuol ar ôl darllen ei chynnwys.

[Christina Packard · Rating 2 out of 5]

To me it was just a short story, but after the story there was an explanation of why this book was important coming from the Welsh.

[Anon Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saunders succeeds creating a character you ultimately dislike. Monica has few appealing qualities but you do feel a tad of empathy simply due to the fact she’s emotionally and mentally immature. Manipulative, shellfish, immature just a few words to describe this woman.

A perfect example of lust vs love and it’s messy messy aftermath. Both parties are equally guilty but Monica holds the burden of responsibility - she should never had taken up with Bob no matter the level of sexual frustration both parties felt, she should have had the wherewithal to withdrawal. However, karma creeped in and casts it wrath.

I liked the ending, it solidifies what you put into the universe can be deadly. I do feel Monica possessed a mental deficit which is sad and her husband was shellfish and allowed his desires to render recognizing the downward spiral of Monica and their loveless marriage sooner as opposed to later. Gossipy neighbors adding fuel to Monica and her vanquishing state of mind.

No doubt this was controversial in 1930’s