Tuesday 8 March 2011

The earth hums in B flat - Mari Strachan

Gwenni lives in rural Wales sometime after the second world war, but before decimalisation (I spent a lot of the novel trying to figure out when), with her Mam, Tada and sister Bethan.

She often looks after the two children up the hill, but when their father is found floating in the local reservoir Gwenni thinks that the police are on the wrong track, and wonders why her mam is so disturbed by the whole thing.

Oh yes, and Gwenni can fly - mostly in her sleep, unlike when she was younger and could fly when awake.

This book was slow and relaxed, yet enjoyable in a calming way. I'd like to have known when it was set, given it was very rural Wales the cultural clues were little help!

I enjoyed the voice of Gwenni telling the story, and the depictions of the reactions to the events in the small community, in fact I'd like to know what happened afterwards.

As a first novel, which this was, it was impressive - well worth picking up for a relaxing read.

I can't remember where I got it!
Late February to early March 2011