Synopses & Reviews
In the pages of this classic 1936 novel, the passionate and headstrong Jane grows up and grows old, struggling to raise a family of six children on the pittance earned by her slate-quarrying husband, Ifan. Spanning the course of 40 years, this story traces the contours not only of one vividly-evoked Welsh family, but also of a nation coming to self-consciousness. Beginning in the heyday of Methodist fervor and ending with the carnage and disillusionment of the World War I, this book delves into a different culture and world.
Review
"Direct and brilliantly convincing...A comparison with Russian literature is tempting...The frustration and hopelessness...of Chekhovs...characters resemble the peasants and quarrymen of Kate Robertss narrower world" —Storm Jameson
About the Author
Kate Roberts was one of the most prominent authors of Welsh-language fiction in the 20th century. Katie Gramich is a reader in English literature at Cardiff University, a former chair of the Association for Welsh Writing in English, and the editor of the Almanac series.