-
Very bland
“The Welsh Girl is well written overall and clearly thought out. It carries a good story with the potential for heart-tugging success. However, I did not like it. I found Davies' writing at times splendid and at other times only mediocre. I personally felt he was not consistent throughout the text. His characters have some awesome lines and insights, some of these gave me shivers, however overall I found the book very bland and stereotypical. It is a sweet read if one has the time, however if you are looking for an enriching book to add to your To Be Read pile, I would not recommend it.”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-06-13. -
Personal Battles During World War
“Told from three equally fascinating viewpoints, The Welsh Girl is a subtly-rendered portrayal of three individuals fighting personal battles in the midst of WWII. Whereas the link between Esther's (the Welsh girl of the title) and Karsten's (a German POW in Wales) stories quickly becomes apparent and adds to the depth of both accounts, the relevance of the third viewpoint character (Rotheram, a German Jew interrogating German prisoners for England) emerges slowly, and rewards the patient reader with a satisfying ending. Beautiful writing, believable characters, and a lovely story. ”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-05-08. -
Wonderful WWII Tale
“The Welsh Girl is a beautiful work of literature. Though mostly predictable and not quite a page-turner, it mesmerizes the reader with rich settings and loveable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it lacked the must-read quality of a five-star rating. If you love historical fiction, you will appreciate the Welsh viewpoint of WWII. There is enough humor, romance and intrigue to appeal to a wide audience. Enjoy!”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-02-23. -
CYNEFIN...
“ Their are many WWII books on the market but Peter Ho Davies "The Welsh Girl" really stands out. It is well written historically rich tale with a caste of characters and events surrounding D-day. I was drawn to the rolling hills of Wales where against the setting of a quiet pastural village with deep nationalism roots we witness the closing events of WWII. Esther is caught between her love of home and the lure of the outside world represented by the boys and men who visit and work in her village. She is also at an age when one passes between innocence of youth to womanly wisdom. In the confrontational acts of several cultures this tale of love, home and hope emerges. Esther's father, Arthur, introduces us to the welsh term "Cynefin, the flocks sense of place, of territory" . Esther's tale becomes one of her pursuit of Cynefin, and the sacrifices that she makes to preserve not only hers but the Cynefin of those she cares deeply for. I came away from this book feeling like I spent a holiday in Wales enjoying the boisterous pub, the wooly sheep, the wild eyed farm boys, the german POWs and the Village matrons. "The Welsh Girl" was entertaining, humorous, tragic, passionate and a just a really good well rounded read earning it's place in the literary world. ”
An amazon user wrote this on 2009-01-09. -
1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
One of the most Evocative Novels I have Read in Years
“This story of a Welsh girl, a German POW, and the complicated social strictures of small-town life during World War II is one of the most moving stories I have read in years. In prose that is simple in the way that the best poetry often is, Peter Ho Davies delivers Wales in evocative detail, and the feelings of his Welsh and English and German characters, male and female, as if he were each of them. The passage in chapter 13, with Karsten and Jim and the plane, is just lovely. Just lovely.”
An amazon user wrote this on 2008-09-30.
