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The Drowned Village
She’s guarded her secret for a lifetime. He’s not ready to let go.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kate Morton and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kate Morton and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.
252 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2022
378 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Norma Curtis
15 books14 followersNorma Curtis was born near Wrexham, North Wales, where her family still resides, and now lives in London, England, with her husband and a son. She is a novelist and short story writer, and she was elected the twentieth Chairman (1999–2001) of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Her first novel, "Living It Up, Living It Down", published in 1994 by HarperCollins, won the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers’ Award, and also featured in the WH Smith Fresh Talent promotion. Her other books, The House Husband (Quality Time) and The Last Place You Look have also been published by HarperCollins. Her short stories have appeared in Woman, Woman and Home and Woman’s Own, anthologies and teenage magazines. She writes with a unique blend of dry humour, warmth, wisdom and originality.
Her first novel, "Living It Up, Living It Down", published in 1994 by HarperCollins, won the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers’ Award, and also featured in the WH Smith Fresh Talent promotion. Her other books, The House Husband (Quality Time) and The Last Place You Look have also been published by HarperCollins. Her short stories have appeared in Woman, Woman and Home and Woman’s Own, anthologies and teenage magazines. She writes with a unique blend of dry humour, warmth, wisdom and originality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 27, 2022
EXCERPT: He imagined crossing the stone bridge over the clear river and seeing the chapel, and the school, and then catching Elin in the village as she left the post office, just by chance. He imagined it as vividly as if he was praying for it, as if he could influence her into appearing in that doorway through the intensity of his hopes. He imagined her doing a double take, stopping still in disbelief, and then running to him, into his arms. Maybe not running. She'll be in her eighties, don't forget, he reminded himself.
The incline was leveling out, and he could hear the rumble of a truck. Rounding the bend and coming out of the lane, he found himself by the edge of a main road that he had no memory of. Across the road, through a dense line of trees, where the village should have been, a startling brightness drew him to it like a vision.
He squeezed the bridge of his nose to blink it away, but it persisted, shimmering, a mirage. He crossed the road, feeling the heat of the asphalt, and entered the line of trees. He found himself at the top of a grassy bank studded with rocks, staring at the glittering lake that filled the valley.
ABOUT 'THE DROWNED VILLAGE: She’s guarded her secret for a lifetime. He’s not ready to let go.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
MY THOUGHTS: There were so many interesting things in this book that I really don't know where to start. The story itself is lovely, bittersweet but lovely. It's a story of lost love, family secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, and making the best of things when life, inevitably, goes wrong.
All the time I was reading this I was thinking, 'Why does X have to stick his/her oar in?', because everything that went wrong for Al and Elin is the result of outside interference.
The story itself unfolds slowly, in dual timelines, now and post WWII. The plot is evenly paced but unpredictable. I thought I knew what would happen, but I was wrong, and I'm glad I was wrong. The ending was unexpected but perfect.
There are all sorts of wonderful historical tidbits woven into the storyline, from the Welsh connection in Abraham Lincoln's ancestry to the Welshman who discovered America before Christopher Columbus, and plenty more.
This was a lovely quiet and gentle read with a great range of well depicted characters. Narrator Josh Wichard had me thinking I was listening to a whole cast of narrators.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#TheDrownedVillage #NetGalley
I: @bookouture
T: @TheNormaCurtis @Bookouture
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #historicalfiction #mystery #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Norma Curtis was born near Wrexham, North Wales, where her family still resides, and now lives in London, England, with her husband and a son. She writes with a unique blend of dry humour, warmth, wisdom and originality.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The incline was leveling out, and he could hear the rumble of a truck. Rounding the bend and coming out of the lane, he found himself by the edge of a main road that he had no memory of. Across the road, through a dense line of trees, where the village should have been, a startling brightness drew him to it like a vision.
He squeezed the bridge of his nose to blink it away, but it persisted, shimmering, a mirage. He crossed the road, feeling the heat of the asphalt, and entered the line of trees. He found himself at the top of a grassy bank studded with rocks, staring at the glittering lake that filled the valley.
ABOUT 'THE DROWNED VILLAGE: She’s guarded her secret for a lifetime. He’s not ready to let go.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
MY THOUGHTS: There were so many interesting things in this book that I really don't know where to start. The story itself is lovely, bittersweet but lovely. It's a story of lost love, family secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, and making the best of things when life, inevitably, goes wrong.
All the time I was reading this I was thinking, 'Why does X have to stick his/her oar in?', because everything that went wrong for Al and Elin is the result of outside interference.
The story itself unfolds slowly, in dual timelines, now and post WWII. The plot is evenly paced but unpredictable. I thought I knew what would happen, but I was wrong, and I'm glad I was wrong. The ending was unexpected but perfect.
There are all sorts of wonderful historical tidbits woven into the storyline, from the Welsh connection in Abraham Lincoln's ancestry to the Welshman who discovered America before Christopher Columbus, and plenty more.
This was a lovely quiet and gentle read with a great range of well depicted characters. Narrator Josh Wichard had me thinking I was listening to a whole cast of narrators.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#TheDrownedVillage #NetGalley
I: @bookouture
T: @TheNormaCurtis @Bookouture
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #historicalfiction #mystery #sliceoflife #womensfiction
THE AUTHOR: Norma Curtis was born near Wrexham, North Wales, where her family still resides, and now lives in London, England, with her husband and a son. She writes with a unique blend of dry humour, warmth, wisdom and originality.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 19, 2022
"A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. "
Sometimes, a book blurb can be misleading, this one certainly wasn't. Beautifully told, and emotionally heartbreaking, the drama unfolds slowly, dramatically, and it wasn't with certainty how it would end, until the last page was read (listened to).
Engulfing the reader in rich history, pieces of interesting geography, and a quest in searching the connection of Abraham Lincoln's ancestry, the main characters are interesting and colorful in dual timelines. But being young, compulsive and hurt, sometimes leads to decisions made in hast that will have lifetime consequences.
The audiobook edition of The Captain's Wife, by Norma Curtis, was narrated by Josh Wichard. Mr Wichard did a beautiful job narrating, his tone was quite believable to the story told.
4 Stars - RECOMMENDED for those who enjoy the historical fiction genre.
My profound thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Norma Curtis for providing a digital AAC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes, a book blurb can be misleading, this one certainly wasn't. Beautifully told, and emotionally heartbreaking, the drama unfolds slowly, dramatically, and it wasn't with certainty how it would end, until the last page was read (listened to).
Engulfing the reader in rich history, pieces of interesting geography, and a quest in searching the connection of Abraham Lincoln's ancestry, the main characters are interesting and colorful in dual timelines. But being young, compulsive and hurt, sometimes leads to decisions made in hast that will have lifetime consequences.
The audiobook edition of The Captain's Wife, by Norma Curtis, was narrated by Josh Wichard. Mr Wichard did a beautiful job narrating, his tone was quite believable to the story told.
4 Stars - RECOMMENDED for those who enjoy the historical fiction genre.
My profound thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Norma Curtis for providing a digital AAC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2022
A story about lost love, misunderstanding, secrets and forgiveness which spans 65 years, The Drowned Village is a historical fiction that is set against the backdrop of the Welsh village of Capel Celyn which sees its identity being turned into a reservoir. Listening to the audiobook I admit I wasn't initially sure if I would like it and I was also a bit skeptical about a male narrator narrating such a book; but a few chapters in and I began warming up to both the story and the narration done by Josh Wichard. The ending was bittersweet but a realistic one. Also, I got to learn something new about Abraham Lincoln and his ancestry and that's one of the reasons why I enjoy reading historical fictions i.e. getting to know a few unknown titbits about history.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture Audio and the author Norma Curtis for the audio Arc of the book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture Audio and the author Norma Curtis for the audio Arc of the book.
January 3, 2022
The Captain’s Wife has an undertone of sadness. A marriage that didn’t occur, lovers separated, and a dream unrealized. I was intrigued with the premise of the book. A man returning to search for his former love after 60 years. The parts I liked the nest were all the references to Abraham Lincoln’s ancestry since that is one of my forte’s. The story illustrates the repercussions of acting rashly and impulsively. The story left me sad and somber. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
January 26, 2022
Have you ever wished you could have a ‘do-over’? How long would you be willing to wait?
Sixty-five years later, Al Locke from Pennsylvania finally gets a chance for a do-over. This 85 year old retired naval officer has arrived back in Cape Celyn, Northern Wales to beg forgiveness from his long lost love, his fiancee, Elin Jenkins. She’s the ‘one that got away’ and he needs to reconnect with her. He’s since married, but wants to end things properly between them and reconcile. Can you imagine the size of the lump in his throat when he arrives in the village to find it’s been swallowed up by the lake?! Seriously, there’s no sign of the village.
Still feeling sorry for him? What if I told you that he proposed to someone else and then sent Elin a wedding invitation with three handwritten words on the back? Hah! No, not “I love you,” but “No hard feelings.” He has to tell her why he never answered her telegrams and find out if she went on to have a happy life. You’ll have to read to discover if he finds her and if he should shoulder all the responsibility for what happened between them.
It’s such a unique plot! I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Wales nor had I learned about a Welshman who purportedly discovered America before Columbus nor that Lincoln had a Welsh ancestor. I learned a new Welch word, ‘hiraeth,’ meaning a heartfelt yearning for somewhere.
Curtis focuses on what it means to ‘lose touch’ and brings to light the many things in our lives that get covered over as time passes but which nevertheless leave a permanent legacy. You’ll get swept away by this heartbreaking story of lost love, forgiveness and family secrets.
Don’t forget to check out the author’s page for photos of the setting!
I was gifted this advance copy by Norma Curtis, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Sixty-five years later, Al Locke from Pennsylvania finally gets a chance for a do-over. This 85 year old retired naval officer has arrived back in Cape Celyn, Northern Wales to beg forgiveness from his long lost love, his fiancee, Elin Jenkins. She’s the ‘one that got away’ and he needs to reconnect with her. He’s since married, but wants to end things properly between them and reconcile. Can you imagine the size of the lump in his throat when he arrives in the village to find it’s been swallowed up by the lake?! Seriously, there’s no sign of the village.
Still feeling sorry for him? What if I told you that he proposed to someone else and then sent Elin a wedding invitation with three handwritten words on the back? Hah! No, not “I love you,” but “No hard feelings.” He has to tell her why he never answered her telegrams and find out if she went on to have a happy life. You’ll have to read to discover if he finds her and if he should shoulder all the responsibility for what happened between them.
It’s such a unique plot! I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Wales nor had I learned about a Welshman who purportedly discovered America before Columbus nor that Lincoln had a Welsh ancestor. I learned a new Welch word, ‘hiraeth,’ meaning a heartfelt yearning for somewhere.
Curtis focuses on what it means to ‘lose touch’ and brings to light the many things in our lives that get covered over as time passes but which nevertheless leave a permanent legacy. You’ll get swept away by this heartbreaking story of lost love, forgiveness and family secrets.
Don’t forget to check out the author’s page for photos of the setting!
I was gifted this advance copy by Norma Curtis, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 10, 2022
A very unusual story that I had a hard time getting into. I enjoyed parts of it while other parts just puzzled me.
The pacing of the story is quite slow.
The historical aspect of the story was intriguing. Just to think about people being moved from their homes to build a water reservoir was interesting as well as sad.
All in all, this was a very unique story. I’m sure others may really like The Drowned Village. I would like to reread it in the future and see if my opinion changes.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The pacing of the story is quite slow.
The historical aspect of the story was intriguing. Just to think about people being moved from their homes to build a water reservoir was interesting as well as sad.
All in all, this was a very unique story. I’m sure others may really like The Drowned Village. I would like to reread it in the future and see if my opinion changes.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 10, 2022
Review of "The drowned village" - how a village in Wales disappeared under water when a reservoir was created and in this novel as a backdrop of a love story
"As he reaches the top of the familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. A glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village, and all trace of the girl he loved, are gone…"
An American navy officer and a girl from Wales fell in love during WW2. Many, many years later the American, captain Al Locke comes back to the village. But it is gone and covered by a water reservoir.
In my country, The Netherlands, these kind of books are popular by readers of Libelle, a women's magazine. With a heroine, a woman a bit older looking for romance and handling a job. In this novel it is the owner of the bunkhouse near the lake.
Reading we get to know what happened to Al and Elin, why he came back and what he finds. That made me curious but the story itself is quite slow. It is a quiet read and not utterly interesting (for someone like me not reading "mum lit"). What interested me more is the true historical backdrop of the eviction of people from their homes to build a waterreservoir for Liverpool city. I went googling and found a lot of interesting extra material. And how this event caused Wales to rise and demand more independence. And how apologies were made.
When I was given a ARC copy by Netgalley the book was still called "the captain's wife". It is now more aptly named "the drowned village".
Pub Date 21 Feb 2022
3 stars out of 5
The info on Wikipedia about the village:
In 1960, a private bill sponsored by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament to develop a water reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley. The development would include the flooding of Capel Celyn. By obtaining authority via an Act of Parliament, Liverpool City Council would not require planning consent from the relevant Welsh local authorities and would also avoid a planning inquiry at Welsh level at which arguments against the proposal could be expressed. This, together with the fact that the village was one of the last Welsh-only speaking communities in the area,[2] ensured that the proposals became deeply controversial. Thirty-five out of thirty-six Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs) opposed the bill (the other did not vote), but in 1962 it was passed. The members of the community waged an eight-year effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to prevent the destruction of their homes.
When the valley was flooded in 1965, the village and its buildings, including the post office, the school, and a chapel with cemetery, were all lost. Twelve houses and farms were submerged, and 48 people of the 67 who lived in the valley lost their homes.[3] In all, some 800 acres (3.2 km2; 320 ha) of land were submerged. A new reservoir, Llyn Celyn, was formed.
"As he reaches the top of the familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. A glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village, and all trace of the girl he loved, are gone…"
An American navy officer and a girl from Wales fell in love during WW2. Many, many years later the American, captain Al Locke comes back to the village. But it is gone and covered by a water reservoir.
In my country, The Netherlands, these kind of books are popular by readers of Libelle, a women's magazine. With a heroine, a woman a bit older looking for romance and handling a job. In this novel it is the owner of the bunkhouse near the lake.
Reading we get to know what happened to Al and Elin, why he came back and what he finds. That made me curious but the story itself is quite slow. It is a quiet read and not utterly interesting (for someone like me not reading "mum lit"). What interested me more is the true historical backdrop of the eviction of people from their homes to build a waterreservoir for Liverpool city. I went googling and found a lot of interesting extra material. And how this event caused Wales to rise and demand more independence. And how apologies were made.
When I was given a ARC copy by Netgalley the book was still called "the captain's wife". It is now more aptly named "the drowned village".
Pub Date 21 Feb 2022
3 stars out of 5
The info on Wikipedia about the village:
In 1960, a private bill sponsored by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament to develop a water reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley. The development would include the flooding of Capel Celyn. By obtaining authority via an Act of Parliament, Liverpool City Council would not require planning consent from the relevant Welsh local authorities and would also avoid a planning inquiry at Welsh level at which arguments against the proposal could be expressed. This, together with the fact that the village was one of the last Welsh-only speaking communities in the area,[2] ensured that the proposals became deeply controversial. Thirty-five out of thirty-six Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs) opposed the bill (the other did not vote), but in 1962 it was passed. The members of the community waged an eight-year effort, ultimately unsuccessful, to prevent the destruction of their homes.
When the valley was flooded in 1965, the village and its buildings, including the post office, the school, and a chapel with cemetery, were all lost. Twelve houses and farms were submerged, and 48 people of the 67 who lived in the valley lost their homes.[3] In all, some 800 acres (3.2 km2; 320 ha) of land were submerged. A new reservoir, Llyn Celyn, was formed.
February 16, 2022
In the 1950s, an American sailor meets a Welsh student nurse in Liverpool. They fall in love and he proposes.
Elin takes Al to meet her family in the tiny village of Capel Celyn. He is captivated by the beauty of the village and welcomed by her family.
Alas, before the wedding be arranged, Al is called back to his ship and sets sail for Philadelphia.
Elin will follow him and they will wed in his home town.
Then Capel Celyn comes under threat of being flooded for a reservoir. Elin chooses to postpone her departure to help campaign against the flooding.
Sadly, her telegram is misinterpreted as ending the relationship. Al is heartbroken and seeks solace in marrying a close family friend.
Meanwhile, Elin eagerly awaits letters from Al, but becomes increasingly desperate at the silence.
Finally, she is informed of his wedding.
Her life quickly spirals out of control.
Sixty-five years later, retired Naval captain Al Locke returns to Capel Celyn. He is devastated to find the village drowned and no trace of Elin.
He stays for a week and the story is slowly revealed.
The book is heart-breaking at times, but finally Al finds the answers he sought and a lasting sense of tranquillity.
The narration was excellent.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Elin takes Al to meet her family in the tiny village of Capel Celyn. He is captivated by the beauty of the village and welcomed by her family.
Alas, before the wedding be arranged, Al is called back to his ship and sets sail for Philadelphia.
Elin will follow him and they will wed in his home town.
Then Capel Celyn comes under threat of being flooded for a reservoir. Elin chooses to postpone her departure to help campaign against the flooding.
Sadly, her telegram is misinterpreted as ending the relationship. Al is heartbroken and seeks solace in marrying a close family friend.
Meanwhile, Elin eagerly awaits letters from Al, but becomes increasingly desperate at the silence.
Finally, she is informed of his wedding.
Her life quickly spirals out of control.
Sixty-five years later, retired Naval captain Al Locke returns to Capel Celyn. He is devastated to find the village drowned and no trace of Elin.
He stays for a week and the story is slowly revealed.
The book is heart-breaking at times, but finally Al finds the answers he sought and a lasting sense of tranquillity.
The narration was excellent.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
Told in two timelines sixty five years apart Al and Elin have a lot of catching up to do. Al is in America returning to Wales to put ghosts to rest and Elin unaware of Al's return is in for a surprise.
Years ago Elin gave up on love of a lifetime with Al to save her village from being submerged under a dam. She thought (wrongly) that staying back cultivating a friendship with Rob the engineer in charge, would be enough to persuade him to choose another village for submerging rather than hers. Her parents livelihood would be safe. She thought wrong and then discovered Al gone for good, and distraught at her non arrival marrying the woman he knew for longest.
Returning back to Wales, Al was looking also for Abraham Lincoln's Welsh roots and to give his mother her place in history. Amidst looking for Elin and to get the real story from her. The bunkhouse where Al was staying along with the pub knew Elin's story but they hid it as they did not come out well in the telling. Al had to discover it for himself.
Secrets that were finally spoken of, plenty of broken hearts and lives that could have been lived differently.
Years ago Elin gave up on love of a lifetime with Al to save her village from being submerged under a dam. She thought (wrongly) that staying back cultivating a friendship with Rob the engineer in charge, would be enough to persuade him to choose another village for submerging rather than hers. Her parents livelihood would be safe. She thought wrong and then discovered Al gone for good, and distraught at her non arrival marrying the woman he knew for longest.
Returning back to Wales, Al was looking also for Abraham Lincoln's Welsh roots and to give his mother her place in history. Amidst looking for Elin and to get the real story from her. The bunkhouse where Al was staying along with the pub knew Elin's story but they hid it as they did not come out well in the telling. Al had to discover it for himself.
Secrets that were finally spoken of, plenty of broken hearts and lives that could have been lived differently.
March 2, 2022
So beautiful. Loved this one so much. The writing is just wow. I was absorbed, transported. Didn't want it to end.
November 4, 2024
Loved this. It took me right back to my childhood in North Wales. Great read.
March 4, 2022
The Drowned Village begins in the tiny Welsh Village of Capel Celyn in the 1950s. Al Locke is staying at a nearby B&B and meets Elin Jenkins, a young girl living on her family's farm. They fall in love and plan to be married before Captain Al Locke, a Navy Captain, has to report to Japan. At the same time Capel Celyn is fighting to save itself from being leveled and flooded for a reservoir to supply Liverpool. With plans for their marriage progressing, Elin is convinced to stay and help her families and friends fight. Sending Al a short telegram to let him know she has been delayed, to be followed by a letter explaining what was going on, things don't happen as planned. The letter is delayed by five months and changes both their lives. Present day. Al returns to Wales 65 years later to find Elin and find out what happened to her as well as to share why he made the decisions he did. He had no idea that instead of a village, he finds a lake. Will he be able to find Elin? Will they be able to finally learn the truth about what happened all those years before.
The Captain’s Wife is my first book by Norma Curtis and I will be watching for other books by this author. The story was different from other historical fiction I have read, but what it has in common is an enjoyable story, with great characters and an event I did not know about. I do not read a lot of stories set in Wales, so that was unique as well. The story is a slow burn, taking some time to get into, but when it does pick up you become lost in the story of one man’s journey to right wrongs and misunderstandings and in the process he hopes to reunite with the one he has never stopped loving. The romance of Elin and Al was sweet, but turned to heartache for both of them. One decision let to another and another that made Elin's life difficult, I felt so bad for her. As much as Al regrets the past, I was frustrated with his actions. He spent 65 years thinking 'what if' and wishing things could have been different, until he finally took the step to find out what really happened. This is a story where a marriage that didn’t occur, causes lovers to separate, and dreams unrealized. The ending was not what I was looking for, but thinking about it after a bit, I think it was realistic and perfect. As always I went off to learn more about "The Drowned Village" and was very interested in what happened to the places, graveyards etc. Visit Norma Curtis' webpage (normacurtisauthor) to see images and a video of the historical site. I also read more about the evictions, destruction of property and how this event set a course for the Welsh people to demant more independence from England. The synopsis describes the book perfectly "A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets." It illustrates the repercussions of acting rashly and impulsively. I did a read listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Josh Wichard, who did a beautiful job narrating the story. His voices were excellent, especially changing between American and Welsh accents. Overall a lovely albeit heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.
The Captain’s Wife is my first book by Norma Curtis and I will be watching for other books by this author. The story was different from other historical fiction I have read, but what it has in common is an enjoyable story, with great characters and an event I did not know about. I do not read a lot of stories set in Wales, so that was unique as well. The story is a slow burn, taking some time to get into, but when it does pick up you become lost in the story of one man’s journey to right wrongs and misunderstandings and in the process he hopes to reunite with the one he has never stopped loving. The romance of Elin and Al was sweet, but turned to heartache for both of them. One decision let to another and another that made Elin's life difficult, I felt so bad for her. As much as Al regrets the past, I was frustrated with his actions. He spent 65 years thinking 'what if' and wishing things could have been different, until he finally took the step to find out what really happened. This is a story where a marriage that didn’t occur, causes lovers to separate, and dreams unrealized. The ending was not what I was looking for, but thinking about it after a bit, I think it was realistic and perfect. As always I went off to learn more about "The Drowned Village" and was very interested in what happened to the places, graveyards etc. Visit Norma Curtis' webpage (normacurtisauthor) to see images and a video of the historical site. I also read more about the evictions, destruction of property and how this event set a course for the Welsh people to demant more independence from England. The synopsis describes the book perfectly "A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets." It illustrates the repercussions of acting rashly and impulsively. I did a read listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Josh Wichard, who did a beautiful job narrating the story. His voices were excellent, especially changing between American and Welsh accents. Overall a lovely albeit heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.
January 19, 2022
I challenge anyone not to be moved by this emotional story about long lost love, missed opportunities, regrets and a life half lived. I was caught up in the romance of Al and Elin, him as a handsome American Navy Captain, her as a young nurse. I was hoping they would have their happy ever after but life took them on different paths. 65 years is a long time thinking 'what if' and wishing things could have been different. I loved the rural Welsh setting of the story and the characters were well developed and interesting. I listened to the book on audio and the narrator was excellent in changing between American and Welsh accents. Overall a lovely albeit heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.
February 24, 2022
Norma Curtis is a new author for me and despite a slow start to this book, The Drowned Village, I found it to be an enjoyable and very easy read. It’s different from the usual dual timeline books I read and there is a strong emphasis on the romance element of the story. Prior to beginning this book I discovered it had an underwent a title change and definitely this new title fits the story and its themes much more so than the previously title, The Captain’s Wife. It’s a slow burner but when it does pick up you become lost in the story of one man’s journey to right so many wrongs and misunderstandings and in the process he hopes to reunite with the one he loves so much but she unfortunately slipped through his fingers.
Set between the present day and the late 1950’s this engaging story uses its setting of the Welsh valleys to perfection. It is so visual and helps you come to know the characters and their motivations. In particular I found the rich imagery of the landscape, hills and mountains and the village of the title really came to life through the writing. I could picture every setting so clearly. American Al Locke spent his time in the navy and when his ship docked at Liverpool for repairs he met Elin who was originally from the village of Capel Ceyn in Wales but was working as a nurse in the city. Upon meeting Al’s life was changed forever and they quickly became a couple which initially seemed to me very fast indeed but you can feel the deep bond that has established between the pair.
Elin takes Al to her village and he is introduced to her parents. She shows him a grave of a relative of Abraham Lincoln which will go on to have a significant forbearing on his journey in the present day. I love history and delving back into the past but I’ll say from the outset that the strand of the storyline regarding Abraham Lincoln and Quakers and emigrating to America really went over my head. Not because I couldn’t understand it, I could and I could see the necessity for its inclusion in the story as a whole but honestly it really didn’t hold my attention and I found myself quickly reading through those parts. My attention was much more focused on the love story of Elin and Al and also that of the reasons for and the fate of the drowned village.
Elin and Al quickly become engaged and plans are set in motion for Elin to go to America to begin a new life. But when she discovers that her beloved village is in danger of being demolished and a reservoir put in its place in order to provide drinking water for the people of Liverpool she knows she can’t leave her parents to this uncertain fate. Not to mention her Aunt and Uncle Eric and Jane. She sends a telegram to Al who has gone home already and a letter will follow but miscommunication and heartache occur and Al marries Virgina. The cruel way in which this occurred was just so heart-breaking for Elin and piece by piece her story that followed unfolded and there are plenty of twists and turns. You feel so desperately sorry for her but deep down you know that she was right. She wanted to fight for her village and its heritage, and she soon had an even deeper and even powerful reason for doing so. A short few weeks brought Elin so much joy and she knew the wonder of being in love but secrets, errors and misperceptions put paid to all that. Can Al in the present right so many wrongs?
It’s not often in a dual timeline historical fiction book that the present day really captures my attention as much as the past but in this case it certainly did. Al arrives at Mountain Ash Bunk House in the hopes of recapturing the past and seeking the closure he craves. He is now a sprightly 85 and arrives to be greeted by Sophie who now runs the hostel having taken over from her Aunt and Uncle Eric and Jane. Sophie was the link that tried to bind the two strands of the story together. Personally, I found her to be a little lost and adrift following a break up and as for the romance element to her story it seemed to peter out as there wasn’t a satisfactory conclusion. Unless I missed something it was like it was forgotten about or left open to interpretation. As Al sets off to the village he remembers, that of Capel Celyn he is soon distraught to find it under water. His aim of returning is shot in one fell swoop. He is heartbroken and doesn’t know where to turn. Any questions he has regarding Elin and here whereabouts or whether she is still alive remain unanswered. A wall surrounds Eric and Jane who perhaps know the truth but are unwilling to share.
The story meanders along at a very gentle pace in the present, a few more little surprises and twists and turns earlier on in the book would have been welcome. As previously mentioned, the element featuring the Quakers and Abraham Lincoln was also part of Al’s quest but if it wasn’t present and instead the sole focus was on reconnecting with Elin it would have worked perfectly fine. By coming back to Wales, Al, also hiding some secrets himself, thought that he could reset his life and make sense of it. He had a heartfelt yearning for a secure place but will he find everything that he so desperately seeks and will resolution bring contentment?
The Drowned Village is a good read although I don’t feel come the end of the year it will have been the most memorable book that I will have read. I found the true story of the drowning of the village fascinating and I think the author worked the human, emotional and romantic side of the story around it wonderfully. It’s a quick read which I read in a couple of hours and I am glad I did so. The ending was different to the norm and it was brave to take this route but it was good that it wasn’t cliched but instead realistic. I would definitely try more of Norma Curtis’s writing in the future.
Set between the present day and the late 1950’s this engaging story uses its setting of the Welsh valleys to perfection. It is so visual and helps you come to know the characters and their motivations. In particular I found the rich imagery of the landscape, hills and mountains and the village of the title really came to life through the writing. I could picture every setting so clearly. American Al Locke spent his time in the navy and when his ship docked at Liverpool for repairs he met Elin who was originally from the village of Capel Ceyn in Wales but was working as a nurse in the city. Upon meeting Al’s life was changed forever and they quickly became a couple which initially seemed to me very fast indeed but you can feel the deep bond that has established between the pair.
Elin takes Al to her village and he is introduced to her parents. She shows him a grave of a relative of Abraham Lincoln which will go on to have a significant forbearing on his journey in the present day. I love history and delving back into the past but I’ll say from the outset that the strand of the storyline regarding Abraham Lincoln and Quakers and emigrating to America really went over my head. Not because I couldn’t understand it, I could and I could see the necessity for its inclusion in the story as a whole but honestly it really didn’t hold my attention and I found myself quickly reading through those parts. My attention was much more focused on the love story of Elin and Al and also that of the reasons for and the fate of the drowned village.
Elin and Al quickly become engaged and plans are set in motion for Elin to go to America to begin a new life. But when she discovers that her beloved village is in danger of being demolished and a reservoir put in its place in order to provide drinking water for the people of Liverpool she knows she can’t leave her parents to this uncertain fate. Not to mention her Aunt and Uncle Eric and Jane. She sends a telegram to Al who has gone home already and a letter will follow but miscommunication and heartache occur and Al marries Virgina. The cruel way in which this occurred was just so heart-breaking for Elin and piece by piece her story that followed unfolded and there are plenty of twists and turns. You feel so desperately sorry for her but deep down you know that she was right. She wanted to fight for her village and its heritage, and she soon had an even deeper and even powerful reason for doing so. A short few weeks brought Elin so much joy and she knew the wonder of being in love but secrets, errors and misperceptions put paid to all that. Can Al in the present right so many wrongs?
It’s not often in a dual timeline historical fiction book that the present day really captures my attention as much as the past but in this case it certainly did. Al arrives at Mountain Ash Bunk House in the hopes of recapturing the past and seeking the closure he craves. He is now a sprightly 85 and arrives to be greeted by Sophie who now runs the hostel having taken over from her Aunt and Uncle Eric and Jane. Sophie was the link that tried to bind the two strands of the story together. Personally, I found her to be a little lost and adrift following a break up and as for the romance element to her story it seemed to peter out as there wasn’t a satisfactory conclusion. Unless I missed something it was like it was forgotten about or left open to interpretation. As Al sets off to the village he remembers, that of Capel Celyn he is soon distraught to find it under water. His aim of returning is shot in one fell swoop. He is heartbroken and doesn’t know where to turn. Any questions he has regarding Elin and here whereabouts or whether she is still alive remain unanswered. A wall surrounds Eric and Jane who perhaps know the truth but are unwilling to share.
The story meanders along at a very gentle pace in the present, a few more little surprises and twists and turns earlier on in the book would have been welcome. As previously mentioned, the element featuring the Quakers and Abraham Lincoln was also part of Al’s quest but if it wasn’t present and instead the sole focus was on reconnecting with Elin it would have worked perfectly fine. By coming back to Wales, Al, also hiding some secrets himself, thought that he could reset his life and make sense of it. He had a heartfelt yearning for a secure place but will he find everything that he so desperately seeks and will resolution bring contentment?
The Drowned Village is a good read although I don’t feel come the end of the year it will have been the most memorable book that I will have read. I found the true story of the drowning of the village fascinating and I think the author worked the human, emotional and romantic side of the story around it wonderfully. It’s a quick read which I read in a couple of hours and I am glad I did so. The ending was different to the norm and it was brave to take this route but it was good that it wasn’t cliched but instead realistic. I would definitely try more of Norma Curtis’s writing in the future.
Read
February 4, 2023The Drowned Village is by Norma Curtis. The tout the book as a World War II romance; but the only connection to World War II is that Al is on a ship headed for Japan. Otherwise nothing else has to go with World War II. It is misleading.
Al Locke’s ship was on its way to Japan when it developed problems and landed at Liverpool to get fixed. He and a friend had shore leave and were invited to a dance at the nearby hospital with the nurses. As soon as they walked in, Al saw a beautiful black haired girl and decided she was his. Luckily for him, Elin felt the same way. They just connected that night and were inseparable from then on. She took him home to Capel Celyn in Northern Wales where she wanted him to meet her parents and also wanted to show him the resting place of the great-great-great grandmother of Nancy Hanks, Lincoln’s mother. Al’s mother was convinced they were related. Thus, Al had an interest in the Lincoln ancestry. They decided to marry just before his ship sailed again. There wasn’t enough time to marry there, so she was to fly to America and marry him at his home.
After Al left, notice came to the area that the valley where her family home was, was to be flooded to create a water reservoir for water for Liverpool. Elin decided to postpone the wedding so she could stay to fight for them to choose another place for the dam. She sent a telegram, followed by a letter, to Al. By the time the telegram was cut down to save on cost, it simply said, “Cancel Wedding, Regrets, Elin”. Al was devastated and, on the rebound, married his longtime friend, Virginia on the day he was to marry Elin. To let Elin know what happened, he sent her the invitation to his and Virginia’s wedding. Neither one knew the whole story. The letter Elin wrote him finally caught up with him in Japan; but instead of reading it, he threw it overboard.
Now, sixty years later, Al revisits Capel Celyn to find out what happened to Elin and also to try to trace Nancy Hank’s ancestry. It is the last gift his son gave him before he suddenly died of an aneurysm. Virginia chose not to come on the trip. Will Al find Elin and find closure to that episode in his life?
Al Locke’s ship was on its way to Japan when it developed problems and landed at Liverpool to get fixed. He and a friend had shore leave and were invited to a dance at the nearby hospital with the nurses. As soon as they walked in, Al saw a beautiful black haired girl and decided she was his. Luckily for him, Elin felt the same way. They just connected that night and were inseparable from then on. She took him home to Capel Celyn in Northern Wales where she wanted him to meet her parents and also wanted to show him the resting place of the great-great-great grandmother of Nancy Hanks, Lincoln’s mother. Al’s mother was convinced they were related. Thus, Al had an interest in the Lincoln ancestry. They decided to marry just before his ship sailed again. There wasn’t enough time to marry there, so she was to fly to America and marry him at his home.
After Al left, notice came to the area that the valley where her family home was, was to be flooded to create a water reservoir for water for Liverpool. Elin decided to postpone the wedding so she could stay to fight for them to choose another place for the dam. She sent a telegram, followed by a letter, to Al. By the time the telegram was cut down to save on cost, it simply said, “Cancel Wedding, Regrets, Elin”. Al was devastated and, on the rebound, married his longtime friend, Virginia on the day he was to marry Elin. To let Elin know what happened, he sent her the invitation to his and Virginia’s wedding. Neither one knew the whole story. The letter Elin wrote him finally caught up with him in Japan; but instead of reading it, he threw it overboard.
Now, sixty years later, Al revisits Capel Celyn to find out what happened to Elin and also to try to trace Nancy Hank’s ancestry. It is the last gift his son gave him before he suddenly died of an aneurysm. Virginia chose not to come on the trip. Will Al find Elin and find closure to that episode in his life?
Read
February 13, 2022Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Synopsis
She’s guarded her secret for a lifetime. He’s not ready to let go.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kate Morton and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.
Well, where do I even begin, set around ww11 this is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the book I have to say. It was a slightly different tack for me, but it was beautifully written and narrated. Without adding a spoiler, a poignant ending where not every story is wrapped in a happy ever after bow. Loved it!
Synopsis
She’s guarded her secret for a lifetime. He’s not ready to let go.
Sixty-five years ago. Pushing aside drooping hollyhocks, Elin Jenkins tosses back her dark hair and runs up the familiar path to the tiny village of Capel Celyn, past the mossy graveyard with its crumbling stones, towards the farm that’s been in her family for generations. Laughing, Al catches her around the waist, squeezing her tight. ‘Marry me,’ he whispers. ‘I’ll use my Navy liberty leave, we’ll go ask your parents. I don’t want this to end.’ Tears prick her eyes as she smiles up at him.
Three days later, Al is on his ship back to Pennsylvania. And in the months that follow, Elin’s frantic telegrams to him go unanswered. Then she receives the wedding invitation. Scribbled on the back are three words: No hard feelings.
Present day. Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, smooths his silver hair and finishes up with a spritz of aftershave. With a spring in his step he hasn’t had for decades, he sets off up the well-worn track through the valley. As he rounds the last bend, his heart begins to race. He has no doubt he will meet her in the village today. He will at last hear the horrible truth of what happened to Elin after he left, and he’ll confess why he couldn’t face coming back… until now.
As Al crests the final, familiar hill, a startling brightness draws him in like a vision. Before him, a glittering lake fills the entire valley. The pretty stone village of Capel Celyn, and all trace of Elin, are gone…
A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. Fans of Fiona Valpy, Kate Morton and Kathleen McGurl will love this book.
Well, where do I even begin, set around ww11 this is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss. I thoroughly enjoyed the book I have to say. It was a slightly different tack for me, but it was beautifully written and narrated. Without adding a spoiler, a poignant ending where not every story is wrapped in a happy ever after bow. Loved it!
January 28, 2022
Two things drew me to this book- the cover and the mention ‘for fans of Kate Morton’ in the description. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the former: isn’t the book cover gorgeous! I felt like I couldn’t NOT read a book with such a beautiful cover. And as for Kate Morton, I have only read one book by her and I absolutely loved it. So I went ahead and requested this book. And I can’t say that I am disappointed. In fact, to the very contrary, the book “exceeded my expectations” on all levels.
The Captain’s Wife (I will come back to the title in a minute) is a tale of classic star-crossed lovers. Elin and Al are made for each other but not meant for each other, in a cruel twist of fate. But sixty five years later, when Al comes back to her place on a research for Abraham Lincoln’s mother’s Welsh roots, he still feels excited at the thought of seeing her, talking to her. He wonders whether she’s married (or widowed, hopefully) and how she will react to his visit. What he never expected was that her entire village would be drowned under a reservoir built to provide drinking water for Liverpool. There was no trace of the village, the Quaker burial ground he was looking for, or of Elin.
The story progresses through Al’s six-day visit and his recollections of the past, and we gradually get the full picture- what went wrong with the scheduled wedding and how the pair drifted apart. Everything about the story was just right: pace, tone, setting, characterisation and style of writing. Although I don’t agree with the title- this book is not about the Captain’s wife at all, she plays a rather minimal role.
Also, this was my first audiobook experience, and while I missed the feeling of a book in my hands and turning the pages, it was really convenient to just listen even when my hands and eyes weren’t free to hold a book and read. Josh Wichard narrated the story beautifully and with feeling.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for access to the audiobook. I would be delighted to read more works by Norma Curtis.
The Captain’s Wife (I will come back to the title in a minute) is a tale of classic star-crossed lovers. Elin and Al are made for each other but not meant for each other, in a cruel twist of fate. But sixty five years later, when Al comes back to her place on a research for Abraham Lincoln’s mother’s Welsh roots, he still feels excited at the thought of seeing her, talking to her. He wonders whether she’s married (or widowed, hopefully) and how she will react to his visit. What he never expected was that her entire village would be drowned under a reservoir built to provide drinking water for Liverpool. There was no trace of the village, the Quaker burial ground he was looking for, or of Elin.
The story progresses through Al’s six-day visit and his recollections of the past, and we gradually get the full picture- what went wrong with the scheduled wedding and how the pair drifted apart. Everything about the story was just right: pace, tone, setting, characterisation and style of writing. Although I don’t agree with the title- this book is not about the Captain’s wife at all, she plays a rather minimal role.
Also, this was my first audiobook experience, and while I missed the feeling of a book in my hands and turning the pages, it was really convenient to just listen even when my hands and eyes weren’t free to hold a book and read. Josh Wichard narrated the story beautifully and with feeling.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for access to the audiobook. I would be delighted to read more works by Norma Curtis.
January 27, 2022
The Captain’s Wife
Norma Curtis
The setting was sixty-five years ago (during WWII) in the small Welsh village of Capel Celyn. Elin Jenkins, a young nurse, and Al Locke, a Navy sailor, were planning their wedding. A few days later Al boarded his ship to Pennsylvania. Elin deeply loved Al, but she also loved her parents who have a farm in Capel Celyn. Her Uncle Eric shamed her into postponing her wedding so that she could assist in saving the town hence saving her parent’s farm. She sent a telegram to Al saying cancel the wedding. Al was devasted. He proposed to Virginia and married her on the day he should have been marrying Elin. He sent Elin a wedding invitation with the words “No Hard Feelings” written on the back. Before Elin received the invitation, she wrote a letter to Al telling him how much she loved him and explaining why she had to cancel the wedding; she also shared the fact that she was pregnant. Al never read the letter.
Eighty-five-year-old Al returns to Capel Celyn seeking Elin. The village is gone, it lays at the bottom of a manmade lake and Elin is nowhere to be found.
The Captain’s Wife is a moving tale of love, misunderstanding and love lost. To read this novel is to feel the pain and heartbreak of Elin and Al. Oh if she had worded her telegram differently, if she had used the word postpone instead of “cancel” but then we wouldn’t have this beautiful story. I was angry with Eric for shaming Elin into canceling the wedding and then at a later date betraying her. I was angry at Al for bedding Virginia as soon as he received the telegram of course Virginia invited him into her bed. Their marriage was not a happy one but that’s what happens when you manipulatel someone to do things your way. My heart went out to Elin, she was the one who suffered the most. I enjoyed the history concerning Abraham Lincoln and the Welshman that discovered America.
Author Norma Curtis is very talented and so is the narrator, Josh Wichard.
Norma Curtis
The setting was sixty-five years ago (during WWII) in the small Welsh village of Capel Celyn. Elin Jenkins, a young nurse, and Al Locke, a Navy sailor, were planning their wedding. A few days later Al boarded his ship to Pennsylvania. Elin deeply loved Al, but she also loved her parents who have a farm in Capel Celyn. Her Uncle Eric shamed her into postponing her wedding so that she could assist in saving the town hence saving her parent’s farm. She sent a telegram to Al saying cancel the wedding. Al was devasted. He proposed to Virginia and married her on the day he should have been marrying Elin. He sent Elin a wedding invitation with the words “No Hard Feelings” written on the back. Before Elin received the invitation, she wrote a letter to Al telling him how much she loved him and explaining why she had to cancel the wedding; she also shared the fact that she was pregnant. Al never read the letter.
Eighty-five-year-old Al returns to Capel Celyn seeking Elin. The village is gone, it lays at the bottom of a manmade lake and Elin is nowhere to be found.
The Captain’s Wife is a moving tale of love, misunderstanding and love lost. To read this novel is to feel the pain and heartbreak of Elin and Al. Oh if she had worded her telegram differently, if she had used the word postpone instead of “cancel” but then we wouldn’t have this beautiful story. I was angry with Eric for shaming Elin into canceling the wedding and then at a later date betraying her. I was angry at Al for bedding Virginia as soon as he received the telegram of course Virginia invited him into her bed. Their marriage was not a happy one but that’s what happens when you manipulatel someone to do things your way. My heart went out to Elin, she was the one who suffered the most. I enjoyed the history concerning Abraham Lincoln and the Welshman that discovered America.
Author Norma Curtis is very talented and so is the narrator, Josh Wichard.
February 21, 2022
There are several points of interest for me in this historical romantic work of fiction. There was the item of especial note that was a once-upon-a-time tradition of the Welsh carving of love spoons, Welsh Quaker roots and the President Abraham Lincoln link. Some of his ancestors supposedly came from the area of North Wales; at least in this story. Al Locke, one of this story's protagonists, was interested in the history of Abe's family tree and was trying to trace these roots as they connected with his own. He learned of possible gravesite stones of one of these fore-mother's through Elin whom he naturally fell head-over-heels in love with. This narrative began during WWII time when Al was an American Navy man thus meeting Elin in her part of the world. The relationship, due to miscommunication and other events, became frutstrated. As an elderly man of 85 years, Al came back to pursue his search for ancestors to greater obsessive lengths, where he meets Sophie and her links to the past and to possibly to finding Elin. He was in for some shocks, disappointments and closure.
I found some objectional (to me) sexual content but overall I enjoyed the story for light reading. There was also some humor which always attracts me. Although this tale may not have had a totally "happily ever after" ending, the story did come to a satisfying conclusion, at least in my opinion.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
I found some objectional (to me) sexual content but overall I enjoyed the story for light reading. There was also some humor which always attracts me. Although this tale may not have had a totally "happily ever after" ending, the story did come to a satisfying conclusion, at least in my opinion.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
May 11, 2022
This book has a far different storyline from most of historical fiction I read.
It has two timelines, present day and during World War II. What makes it different is although part of it takes place during the war, it plays very little part of the story. It is essentially a device to have the characters meet, because people didn’t travel overseas all that much in the 40s and 50s and this tells of an fractured courtship between a Welsh woman and an American man. Although the face of the story are the two lovers, separated by the war and misunderstandings, what is also interesting is the commonality they have regarding tracking down Lincoln’s family, and the drowning of the village where the young woman lives and the connection this will have on her life and the upending of the lives of the other characters in her story. I also found the references to Wales and Welsh customs interesting. I don’t remember having read much that takes place in Wales and it was lovely being swept away to those villages before they disappeared in the book and real life.
What resounded most to me that this book highlights so well, is that the decisions one makes as a youth can impact your entire life, and that one should really think through possible consequences of their actions before they do them. Even the little ones.
That, and don’t take advice from telegraph clerks.
This is rather meandering story, and I think one that will appeal more to lovers of historical romance rather than people who choose historical fiction where the history is as important as the story. Although for some, the references to the “drowning” and the war may be enough.
As if the war and the drowning weren’t heartbreaking enough, you now have Elin and Al’s story.
You’ve been warned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book.
It has two timelines, present day and during World War II. What makes it different is although part of it takes place during the war, it plays very little part of the story. It is essentially a device to have the characters meet, because people didn’t travel overseas all that much in the 40s and 50s and this tells of an fractured courtship between a Welsh woman and an American man. Although the face of the story are the two lovers, separated by the war and misunderstandings, what is also interesting is the commonality they have regarding tracking down Lincoln’s family, and the drowning of the village where the young woman lives and the connection this will have on her life and the upending of the lives of the other characters in her story. I also found the references to Wales and Welsh customs interesting. I don’t remember having read much that takes place in Wales and it was lovely being swept away to those villages before they disappeared in the book and real life.
What resounded most to me that this book highlights so well, is that the decisions one makes as a youth can impact your entire life, and that one should really think through possible consequences of their actions before they do them. Even the little ones.
That, and don’t take advice from telegraph clerks.
This is rather meandering story, and I think one that will appeal more to lovers of historical romance rather than people who choose historical fiction where the history is as important as the story. Although for some, the references to the “drowning” and the war may be enough.
As if the war and the drowning weren’t heartbreaking enough, you now have Elin and Al’s story.
You’ve been warned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book.
February 21, 2022
"Nothing compares you for the isolation of grief."
The above line is the soul of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis but there is an underlying message of hope by the end of this heartbreaking audiobook.
Sixty five years ago young naive Elin falls in love with Al a U.S. sailor on leave in her picturesque Wales village. They have instant chemistry, sexual attraction and a love of ancestral history. Before he leaves to go back to Pennsylvania he proposes knowing he must go home and break the heart of the girl he left behind. In the meantime Elin tries to save money for her trip to Al's homeland.
Then her village, her family farm and all the history there is threatened to be washed away from a proposed reservoir that will literally wash away all she has ever known. She can't leave now and her tragic miscommunicated telegram to Al sets off a chain of misunderstandings that alters many lives.
Now in the present Al has finally made it back to Elin but as he happily strolls towards her home he sees nothing of her village or any sign of her existence.
With the help of neighboring townsfolk Al searches for a place in time when he knew true love. Narrator Josh Wichard brought tears to my eyes as he tells Al's story still not knowing what really happened to Elin and where her journey brought her in life. His swallowed sobs and held on anger were very real.
The writer brings this story full circle with a message that life is made of moments and we often must let go and enjoy the life we are having rather than yearn for living what we thought would be our life.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The above line is the soul of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis but there is an underlying message of hope by the end of this heartbreaking audiobook.
Sixty five years ago young naive Elin falls in love with Al a U.S. sailor on leave in her picturesque Wales village. They have instant chemistry, sexual attraction and a love of ancestral history. Before he leaves to go back to Pennsylvania he proposes knowing he must go home and break the heart of the girl he left behind. In the meantime Elin tries to save money for her trip to Al's homeland.
Then her village, her family farm and all the history there is threatened to be washed away from a proposed reservoir that will literally wash away all she has ever known. She can't leave now and her tragic miscommunicated telegram to Al sets off a chain of misunderstandings that alters many lives.
Now in the present Al has finally made it back to Elin but as he happily strolls towards her home he sees nothing of her village or any sign of her existence.
With the help of neighboring townsfolk Al searches for a place in time when he knew true love. Narrator Josh Wichard brought tears to my eyes as he tells Al's story still not knowing what really happened to Elin and where her journey brought her in life. His swallowed sobs and held on anger were very real.
The writer brings this story full circle with a message that life is made of moments and we often must let go and enjoy the life we are having rather than yearn for living what we thought would be our life.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2022
Britain, 1954 World War II has ended but there hasn’t been much help for the families to rebuild their lives. The tiny village of Capel Celyn still appears to be beautiful on the outside with its vibrant beautiful surroundings. But the residents of the village have no food and broken spirits. Soon they receive word that the village is going to be taken away from them, and they must be brave and once again fight for what is theirs. Al Locke, an American Navy Captain proposed to Elin Jenkins a young Welsh girl and the plan was for her to move to Pennsylvania and they would be married. But, things didn’t quite go as planned. Present-day retired Navy Captain Al Locke sets sail to the beautiful village of Capel Celyn, determined to find his fiancé Elin. Instead he finds the village underwater in the the depth of a huge lake. Now more than ever, he must find Elin and ask her to forgive him for his role in the loss of everything they held dear. This story was very intriguing to me and I loved that it was based on true events and that it is a time-slip novel. I always enjoy a book that teaches you about the past, and joins to the present day while uncovering everything in the middle. This story was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I found the characters to be very believable and I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed and beautiful description of Wales. This is a story that definitely leaves you pondering. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to those who love historical fiction with romance, heartbreak and forgiveness.
Thank you Norma Curtis for such a beautifully written true story filled with hope and inspiration. This story was a one that pulled you into the pages, and made you feel like you were part of the story. I enjoyed it very much and I highly recommend it.
Thank you Norma Curtis for such a beautifully written true story filled with hope and inspiration. This story was a one that pulled you into the pages, and made you feel like you were part of the story. I enjoyed it very much and I highly recommend it.
March 15, 2022
1955, love at first sight for US Navy man Al Locke and nurse Elin Jenkins. But local events conspire against them. In the present day, Al returns to Wales to find Elin but discovers the village where she lived has been drowned by a reservoir...
The Drowned Village is a beautifully written novel about love and loss, set in Wales in the 1950s and modern day.
I was completely swept up in the romance between Al and Elin. There are wonderfully beautiful moments followed by heartache and turmoil. There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness for lost opportunities over the course of the book, yet this is countered by the enduring power of hope and love.
The characters are so well written that I felt like I was there with them, completely immersed in the plot. Al and Elin's relationship is governed by external forces, his work, her community, other people's emotions, which ultimately keep them apart.
My only quibble was that I found the modern plotline about Sophie's unhappiness left me a bit unsatisfied. It almost seemed a little superfluous to the story and in my opinion there was more potential to develop this plotline to compare with the main love story.
Being a history graduate and undertaking my own family history research, I enjoyed the historical link to the search for Abraham Lincoln's ancestors. I was also fascinated by the history of Wales depicted in the novel and enjoyed finding out about love spoons.
The Drowned Village was an enchanting book about the enduring power of love.
The Drowned Village is a beautifully written novel about love and loss, set in Wales in the 1950s and modern day.
I was completely swept up in the romance between Al and Elin. There are wonderfully beautiful moments followed by heartache and turmoil. There is an overwhelming feeling of sadness for lost opportunities over the course of the book, yet this is countered by the enduring power of hope and love.
The characters are so well written that I felt like I was there with them, completely immersed in the plot. Al and Elin's relationship is governed by external forces, his work, her community, other people's emotions, which ultimately keep them apart.
My only quibble was that I found the modern plotline about Sophie's unhappiness left me a bit unsatisfied. It almost seemed a little superfluous to the story and in my opinion there was more potential to develop this plotline to compare with the main love story.
Being a history graduate and undertaking my own family history research, I enjoyed the historical link to the search for Abraham Lincoln's ancestors. I was also fascinated by the history of Wales depicted in the novel and enjoyed finding out about love spoons.
The Drowned Village was an enchanting book about the enduring power of love.
March 29, 2022
This book has a far different storyline from most of historical fiction I read.
It has two timelines, present day and during World War II. What makes it different is although part of it takes place during the war, it plays very little part of the story. It is essentially a device to have the characters meet, because people didn’t travel overseas all that much in the 40s and 50s and this tells of an fractured courtship between a Welsh woman and an American man. Although the face of the story are the two lovers, separated by the war and misunderstandings, what is also interesting is the commonality they have regarding tracking down Lincoln’s family, and the drowning of the village where the young woman lives and the connection this will have on her life and the upending of the lives of the other characters in her story. I also found the references to Wales and Welsh customs interesting. I don’t remember having read much that takes place in Wales and it was lovely being swept away to those villages before they disappeared in the book and real life.
What resounded most to me that this book highlights so well, is that the decisions one makes as a youth can impact your entire life, and that one should really think through possible consequences of their actions before they do them. Even the little ones.
That, and don’t take advice from telegraph clerks.
This is rather meandering story, and I think one that will appeal more to lovers of historical romance rather than people who choose historical fiction where the history is as important as the story. Although for some, the references to the “drowning” and the war may be enough.
As if the war and the drowning weren’t heartbreaking enough, you now have Elin and Al’s story.
You’ve been warned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book.
It has two timelines, present day and during World War II. What makes it different is although part of it takes place during the war, it plays very little part of the story. It is essentially a device to have the characters meet, because people didn’t travel overseas all that much in the 40s and 50s and this tells of an fractured courtship between a Welsh woman and an American man. Although the face of the story are the two lovers, separated by the war and misunderstandings, what is also interesting is the commonality they have regarding tracking down Lincoln’s family, and the drowning of the village where the young woman lives and the connection this will have on her life and the upending of the lives of the other characters in her story. I also found the references to Wales and Welsh customs interesting. I don’t remember having read much that takes place in Wales and it was lovely being swept away to those villages before they disappeared in the book and real life.
What resounded most to me that this book highlights so well, is that the decisions one makes as a youth can impact your entire life, and that one should really think through possible consequences of their actions before they do them. Even the little ones.
That, and don’t take advice from telegraph clerks.
This is rather meandering story, and I think one that will appeal more to lovers of historical romance rather than people who choose historical fiction where the history is as important as the story. Although for some, the references to the “drowning” and the war may be enough.
As if the war and the drowning weren’t heartbreaking enough, you now have Elin and Al’s story.
You’ve been warned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC and the opportunity to read this book.
February 8, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for an eARC for an honest review.
A heartbreaking story of a lost love, and if you're a reader looking for the "and they lived happily ever after" ending, this is not a story for you.
The main story follows Al Locke, an American soldier is stationed in North Wales, where he meets and falls head over heels with Elin Jenkins, a native of the area and a nurse. He is also interested in the history of Abe's family tree and was trying to trace these roots as they are connected to his own, and learns of a possible gravesite through Elin.
However, due to miscommunications and events that take place, their relationship ends tragically, with heartaches on both sides in more ways than one.
Many years later, Al returns to pursue his search for ancestors, where he meets Sophie who believe his main reason for returning is to look for Elin, and begins this search through her own family roots.
I am a fan of romance stories, but I've always wanted to read a romance story where there was no "and they lived happily ever after" ending, and this gave me that. The ending, for me, was satisfactory. Not only because of the character's growth but also to show that there are many different loves and that sometimes you don't always get what you want. So thank you Norma Curtis, for giving this.
A heartbreaking story of a lost love, and if you're a reader looking for the "and they lived happily ever after" ending, this is not a story for you.
The main story follows Al Locke, an American soldier is stationed in North Wales, where he meets and falls head over heels with Elin Jenkins, a native of the area and a nurse. He is also interested in the history of Abe's family tree and was trying to trace these roots as they are connected to his own, and learns of a possible gravesite through Elin.
However, due to miscommunications and events that take place, their relationship ends tragically, with heartaches on both sides in more ways than one.
Many years later, Al returns to pursue his search for ancestors, where he meets Sophie who believe his main reason for returning is to look for Elin, and begins this search through her own family roots.
I am a fan of romance stories, but I've always wanted to read a romance story where there was no "and they lived happily ever after" ending, and this gave me that. The ending, for me, was satisfactory. Not only because of the character's growth but also to show that there are many different loves and that sometimes you don't always get what you want. So thank you Norma Curtis, for giving this.
March 13, 2022
"The Drowned Village" introduced me to many aspects of Welsh culture, language, and geography with which I was unfamiliar--and now I very much want to visit! The setting was unusual and intriguing; while I know of other places where reservoirs have been created, I have never encountered this concept as a plot point. The village of Capel Celyn at the heart of the story--both in its existence in 1955 and as a ghostly relic in the present--serves as the focus of this dual timeline story. The protagonist, Al, returns to Wales as an 85 year old man, seeking information on a genealogy project about Abraham Lincoln's Welsh ancestry, but it is quickly apparent that he is also searching for his lost love, Elin. His shock at discovering that the village is gone, buried underwater, is palpable. While the actions and reactions of many of the characters puzzled me, and they did not always ring true, I enjoyed the story. The notion of miscommunication is central to many tales--especially romances--and it keenly figures into the plot here. Most significantly, it reminds us of how communication in the 21st century is in stark contrast to that of 65 years ago, when Al and Elin fell in love. I very much enjoyed considering these changes and imaging the world of not-so-long-ago in this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
January 17, 2022
Al is an American Navy man whose ship stops in England for awhile. He meets Elin and they connect immediately. She takes him back to her home town in Wales and they quickly fall in love. But not everyone in Elin's town is pleased with this outcome. When they decide to marry, parents on both sides of the ocean think it's too soon. When Al's ship leaves they plan to reunite, but due to misunderstanding on both sides, this doesn't occur.
Sixty five years later Al returns to the small town where he found so much happiness, but it has vanished beneath the waters of a man made reservoir. Will he find Elin and also conclude a search for relatives of Abraham Lincoln's mother?
I listened to the audio version. He was male and managed to slip between accents easily and affectively, which added to the enjoyment of the listen.
This was a quick read of a gentler and slower time and I enjoyed the journey there. My only quibble is I wanted a different ending, but this was probably the author's braver choice. I would give it 3.5, but will round up to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Author Norma Curtis, and Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Sixty five years later Al returns to the small town where he found so much happiness, but it has vanished beneath the waters of a man made reservoir. Will he find Elin and also conclude a search for relatives of Abraham Lincoln's mother?
I listened to the audio version. He was male and managed to slip between accents easily and affectively, which added to the enjoyment of the listen.
This was a quick read of a gentler and slower time and I enjoyed the journey there. My only quibble is I wanted a different ending, but this was probably the author's braver choice. I would give it 3.5, but will round up to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Author Norma Curtis, and Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 23, 2022
Name of Book: The Captain’s Wife
Author: Norma Curtis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: February 21, 2022
My Rating: 4
Sixty –five years ago in Capel Celyn a small village in Wales, Al Locke, a Navy sailor fell in love with Elin Jenkins and asked her to marry him.
Awww but marriage didn’t happen well not to each other!
Story is sad, however, it is so beautifully written and the narrator Josh Wichard does a great job performing the characters and when he added their accent, it totally added to the enjoyment and kept my interest.
I love a good audiobook but my one disappointment is that they usually never include the author’s note ~ and/or Acknowledgements; which is something I love! Always interesting plus I like when it includes background into their motivation and in the case of historical fiction, clarifying which is actual and which area was creative writing. Sooo I had to do a Google search. Delighted with the article “Wales helped build America”
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 21. 2022.
Author: Norma Curtis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: February 21, 2022
My Rating: 4
Sixty –five years ago in Capel Celyn a small village in Wales, Al Locke, a Navy sailor fell in love with Elin Jenkins and asked her to marry him.
Awww but marriage didn’t happen well not to each other!
Story is sad, however, it is so beautifully written and the narrator Josh Wichard does a great job performing the characters and when he added their accent, it totally added to the enjoyment and kept my interest.
I love a good audiobook but my one disappointment is that they usually never include the author’s note ~ and/or Acknowledgements; which is something I love! Always interesting plus I like when it includes background into their motivation and in the case of historical fiction, clarifying which is actual and which area was creative writing. Sooo I had to do a Google search. Delighted with the article “Wales helped build America”
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 21. 2022.
February 22, 2022
Set between the present day and the years following the end of World War II in Mid Wales, The Drowned Village is a beautiful, but heartbreaking story. Sixty-five years ago, Elin Jenkins, a young Welsh girl, and Al Locke, an American sailor, had their whole lives ahead of them and, after Al proposed, the plan was for Elin to move to Pennsylvania and marry the man she loved. However, life doesn’t always work out the way you want it to.
Present-day and Sophie is running a bunkhouse in Wales, and one of her guests is an elderly gentleman in his eighties...
I thoroughly love a book that is based on historical facts and makes me want to research more about what I’ve read, This is definitely true of The Drowned Village, I only live about 3 hours drive from Mid Wales, yet I wasn’t aware of entire villages that were flooded with water to create a reservoir, to provide water for industries, just over the border in Liverpool.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside, with its towering hills, beautiful green countryside and sparkling lakes are perfectly written, and it’s apparent that the author loves the country she was born and brought up in.
I really enjoyed reading The Drowned Village and would recommend this to anyone who is interested in fiction, based on fact, with a good love story thrown in.
I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis.
Present-day and Sophie is running a bunkhouse in Wales, and one of her guests is an elderly gentleman in his eighties...
I thoroughly love a book that is based on historical facts and makes me want to research more about what I’ve read, This is definitely true of The Drowned Village, I only live about 3 hours drive from Mid Wales, yet I wasn’t aware of entire villages that were flooded with water to create a reservoir, to provide water for industries, just over the border in Liverpool.
The descriptions of the Welsh countryside, with its towering hills, beautiful green countryside and sparkling lakes are perfectly written, and it’s apparent that the author loves the country she was born and brought up in.
I really enjoyed reading The Drowned Village and would recommend this to anyone who is interested in fiction, based on fact, with a good love story thrown in.
I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis.
February 22, 2022
Sixty-five years ago, Elin Jenkins agreed to marry Al Locke while he is stationed in Wales during his stint in the US Navy. Once they get her parents’ blessing, he has to return to the United States with his ship, and Elin makes plans to join him there. Three days before their scheduled wedding date, Al receives a telegram: “Cancel wedding. Regrets, Elin”. Now, he is back in Wales to look for the ancestor of Abraham Lincoln and hopefully to see Elin again. He wants to hear from her why she called off their wedding and explain to her why he couldn’t face coming back. However, when he heads to Elin’s village, he is shocked to find that it no longer exists; it has been turned into a levee for England’s drinking water.
This story was interesting but rather slow paced. I never quite connected with the characters, and I’m not quite sure I believe that they would make all the choices they did in this story. The title change was a good idea, as the actual captain’s wife in the story is barely mentioned.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
This story was interesting but rather slow paced. I never quite connected with the characters, and I’m not quite sure I believe that they would make all the choices they did in this story. The title change was a good idea, as the actual captain’s wife in the story is barely mentioned.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
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