The Welsh Girl
2 journalers for this copy...
reading soon; booker longlist 2007
Considering this was the author's first novel, I stand in awe. This man is a truly gifted writer -- I give you chapters 13 and 14 as an example of his talent: the prose here was almost lyrical, and I could not put the book down for one second. The rest of the book is very well done as well, but to me, these chapters marked this author as someone to watch in the future. His characterization was fine, although at times somewhat unfinished and underdeveloped, but that's okay. I will definitely be looking for more books from Davies in the future.
The book is set toward the very end of WWII in Wales. There are 3 storylines here: German soldiers in a Welsh POW camp, the story of Esther, a Welsh farm girl who works at a local pub, and a sort of side plot (although it works in with the overall themes of this novel) involving a half-German Jewish man working for the British Army, sent to interrogate Rudolf Hess to see if he's fit to stand trial for his part in the crimes of Hitler's Nazi regime. I will not rehash the plot here (there are plenty of reviews of this book online); the plot isn't really that important here. It's what I got from this book that I think has more relevance. In each storyline,the situation of each main character gives them opportunity to reflect on war and how it affects their own sense of identity and place, as well as how it shapes their sense of honor & family ties. Actually, I'd venture to say that in each case, what constitutes family, community & nation also becomes a major theme. And finally, meaning & purpose in life are explored here, using the main characters, all from different backgrounds, as the backdrop for fleshing out all of these themes. In this sense, the novel was a success for me, because truly, the author's musings on these subjects stood out very clearly.
Yes, the story was a bit contrived, as has been noted by several reviewers, and yes, it did seem a bit hurried, but don't forget...this was this author's first full-length novel. His writing is well worth the attention given to him by the Booker prize judges. Would I move it to the shortlist? Probably not, but it is definitely well worth the read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys quality fiction
The book is set toward the very end of WWII in Wales. There are 3 storylines here: German soldiers in a Welsh POW camp, the story of Esther, a Welsh farm girl who works at a local pub, and a sort of side plot (although it works in with the overall themes of this novel) involving a half-German Jewish man working for the British Army, sent to interrogate Rudolf Hess to see if he's fit to stand trial for his part in the crimes of Hitler's Nazi regime. I will not rehash the plot here (there are plenty of reviews of this book online); the plot isn't really that important here. It's what I got from this book that I think has more relevance. In each storyline,the situation of each main character gives them opportunity to reflect on war and how it affects their own sense of identity and place, as well as how it shapes their sense of honor & family ties. Actually, I'd venture to say that in each case, what constitutes family, community & nation also becomes a major theme. And finally, meaning & purpose in life are explored here, using the main characters, all from different backgrounds, as the backdrop for fleshing out all of these themes. In this sense, the novel was a success for me, because truly, the author's musings on these subjects stood out very clearly.
Yes, the story was a bit contrived, as has been noted by several reviewers, and yes, it did seem a bit hurried, but don't forget...this was this author's first full-length novel. His writing is well worth the attention given to him by the Booker prize judges. Would I move it to the shortlist? Probably not, but it is definitely well worth the read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys quality fiction
now off to fsr44...enjoy!
Received today as a wishlist rabck from my friend, quinnsmom. Thank you! I'll look forward to reading this!
What a lovely book! It grabbed me from the first page...one of those novels which immediately transports you to another place and time. On a personal note, I found myself missing my Dad and wishing I could share this with him. As a former POW, and the son of an Englishwoman, I know he'd have loved this book.
I'm passing it to a friend now, in the hope that she enjoys it as much as I did.
I'm passing it to a friend now, in the hope that she enjoys it as much as I did.
