Tongue Tied

by Peter Griffiths

It is 1876 when we are fist introduced to Elfed Evans and Edwards Jones - Elfed of the Tryweryn Valley and Edward of the Celyn, two childhood friends whose friendship has been forged in the shadow of the inspirational Arenig Fawr. The lives of the two nineteen-year-olds then head in different directions. Edward decides to leave the beautiful countryside of north Wales in hope of a more secure future in the coal pits of the Rhondda in south Wales, while Elfed chooses to remain in Tryweryn to farm his father's land. The two friends never meet again, but they are forever bound by an act of camaraderie, a symbol of their deep friendship, the consequences of which will be felt by their families. Tongue Tied allows us to witness Welsh family life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, from the perspective of the farm and the coal pit, as we follow the lives and struggles of the Evans and Jones families. This is a powerful story that explores relationships, religion, language and identity - and how all these things can, ultimately, tear families apart.

476 pages

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Gail Oare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually didn't finish this book. I believe there may be a wealth of information in it (I intended to read it to help with genealogy background work), but the style of writing is difficult. The book "tells" rather than "shows" what is happening, essentially an outline of a story line rather than the actual story. Again, there is probably a wealth of information and perhaps a fine story line, but I can't get into it.

[Sandy]

I found this book to be extremely interesting and well written. Peter gives such interesting descriptions, especially of the characters and the locations. I was drawn into the book by the intensity of the characters and their devotion to their native tongue, as well as their country. I loved learning about the history of Wales and the lives of the people. We in America know so little about other countriess sometimes but this book certainly opened my eyes to the patriotism that other people have for their own country and why they resent their way of life and language being marginalized by others. I enjoyede this book and hope that others will find it fascinationg!

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book for book club, we had an unusual treat at the review. The author joined us and answered questions as well as read some of his favorite passages. Hearing from him gave the book much more meaning. Peter is Welch and wrote the book in part to shed light on the people and language of Wales. It includes some interesting history of an area I knew very little about. Not a great literary masterpiece but worth a look at.

[Katherine Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ambitious book about two Welsh families but also about Welsh politics and history. If that weren't enough of a challenge, the author also employs elements of cynghanedd, or Welsh poetry. At times, it sounds a bit like Beowulf. There are three things I want to do now that I have read this book. One is to read some Welsh poetry, history, and mythology, two is to visit Wales and climb some mountains there, and three is to get a tattoo, though I don't think I will go for a red dragon.

[Kettie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tries to explore the idea of "Welshness" and if speaking Welsh is essential to being Welsh. It gave some history and insights but not enough for a reader who has no background knowledge. I didn't feel that the characters were well developed and there are a lot of coincidences in the story line that I just couldn't buy into.

[Terry Hollands · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account regarding the Welsh language and as I am English and live in South Wales have experienced some of the anti English feeling, however I have also noticed the attitude of South Walians to North Walians or Gog's as they are referred to down South.