Tuesday 30 November 2010

Welsh books to be bought start of list

Welsh books on my to buy list:

(1) Author: Ifan Morgan Jones

Title: Yr Argraff Gyntaf

Publication date August 2010

Publisher: Y Lolfa, Tal-y-Bont

ISBN 9781847712677

(2) Author: Bethan Gwanas

Title: Yn ol i Gbara

Publication date October 2010

Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst

ISBN 9781845272838

Having borrowed most of the books I have read recently, I feel a little guilty after reading a couple of pleas from Welsh writers for us to buy their books. The potential audience is not so large - and apparently Welsh speakers are not big book buyer - so if we want our favourite authors to continue we need to support them. Hence I have identified some books to buy as opposed to borrow

Sunday 3 January 2010

Back to work and weekend course coming up

We're at the end of the Christmas holiday period now and although I've had over a week off, I was ill for quite a few days so did less of nearly everything than I had hoped to. I had finished the novel that Jim had found me (Omelet) just beforehand and had T Llew jones's autobiography (Fy Mhobol I) at home with me (on interlibrary loan). I finished T Llew Jones - though some of it was a bit of a struggle, especially the chapters on the eisteddfod that talk about the entries - and give examples of the poems. The poems themselves are not that easy to follow or understand (for me, anyway) but he was a fascinating and very energetic man. I've now read a few of his children's books too - which are very good.

I also started and finished a Welsh classic by Daniel Owen - probably (this might be showing my ignorance) the first modern Welsh novelist. Styled as an autobiography it gave a really interesting account of the restricted life led by many people in small villages and towns in some parts of Wales - also the strength of religion at the time - and the fear around it.

But now I am out of books that I have not already read - except for ones that I have given up on - and may try yet again. I booked into the Pontypool course in the end so we'll see how it goes - I'm looking forward to it though a bit apprehensive as it isn't residential so I have the delights of the holiday inn (or something similar can't remember). And apart from a Welsh boost I should also be able to buy some new books