FIDDLER'S FERRY

Sweyn's Eye Saga #5

by Iris Gower

Siona Llewelyn is the handsome ferryman, with an eye for the ladies, whose days are spent rowing passengers across the River Swan. One day he hauls a young girl trying to commit suicide out of the river and so starts this tale of Siona's family.

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Iris Gower (b. 1935) was a Swansea-based novelist. Her historical romances are all set within Swansea and Gower in South Wales.

Iris (real name Iris Davies) was born in Mumbles and lived in Derwen Fawr, a part of Sketty, Swansea. She had four adult children, though her husband of 48 years, Tudor Davies, died on 15 April 2002 after suffering a major stroke. She later lived with a partner, Peter.

She was one of the top-selling authors in the country, and was awarded an MA in Creative Writing by Cardiff University, as well as an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Wales, Swansea. She wrote and published around 40 books including 26 novels.

Gower died at Singleton Hospital, Swansea on 20 July, 2010. She was 75 years old.

Reviews

[Julia Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story about a family set in a Welsh town.
There was lots of beautiful description of the Welsh countryside which made me feel like I was there. The characters were well crafted, I liked how the author portrayed the bonds between the brothers and the sibling rivalry. The female characters were strong and realistic.
There were romantic uplifting scenes which were very enjoyable. The story also touched upon mental health themes and did so with sensitivity.
Overall this was a heartwarming read; perfect for a chilly, dark evening.

[Angela Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nerys is saved from drowning by Siona Llewelyn who runs the ferry serving the smelting workers. Emily, Siona’s wife and mother to several boys, works hard keeping home and is expecting a new arrival. The river is central to this tale as are the Llewelyns, bringing and taking lives. Hywel has been well educated, he is the eldest son and school teacher. The two youngest boys are at home. After Nerys is taken on to assist with the housework a complication of romances within the family create the story.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow book 5 of sweyne eye saga absolutely amazing it has everything love sadness and most of all strength of everyone in this place
Characters are brilliant you get the feeling that your part of everyone’s life and living it alongside them
Amazing Author
Can’t wait to start book 6 but then again feeling sad that it’s the last one
A must read saga

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good family story reminds me of Catherine Cookson

[Elaine Hargrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story with a definite twist. Love and desire. Life and death all abound in the little Welsh town. Magically woven story around early 19th century.

[Sylvia Mort · Rating 5 out of 5]

always amazing reads