It’s unusual for me to post twice in one day. If anything, it’s sometimes a struggle for me to post twice in one week. But, today is St. David’s Day. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that I’m Welsh in the last few blog entries (I probably have), but I am, and its something I’ve always been proud of. We may be a small country, but we are fierce. It’s been a few years since I spent St. David’s Day at home, and although I don’t have any cawl or welshcakes, I’m still feeling patriotic.
Since it’s St. David’s Day, I wanted to share a few books by Welsh authors that I have read or want to read:
We Don’t Know What We’re Doing by Thomas Morris
I read Thomas Morris’ debut short story collection a few months ago and loved it. Although set in Caerphilly, the stories reminded me of my hometown in South West Wales and the people that live there. The town and its residents felt familiar and alien at the same time. I was left wondering: Do all dad’s wear Berghaus fleeces?
Submarine by Joe Dunthorne
I will admit, I’ve seen the film. I know, I know. Submarine is set in Swansea, just up the road from my own town. I spent a lot of my youth in the McDonald’s in the city centre, and browsing the racks of tutus in Blue Banana. It’s interesting to see the city in a different light, and Oliver Tate has a unique view of the world. I’ve wanted to read Submarine for a while, and I’m making it my mission in 2017 to read this book.
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
I didn’t even know Sarah Waters was Welsh until about two months ago, even though I watched a documentary where she spoke for about three or four minutes. My Welsh radar is broken. Tipping the Velvet comes to mind straight away when I think of Sarah Waters, but The Paying Guest has been on my tbr list since it was released.
I did think about adding Dylan Thomas to the list, but he seems like an obvious choice and despite being ferociously Welsh, my grandmother can’t stand him, so I won’t risk her wrath by putting him in.
Dydd Gwyl Dewi pawb!
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A WORD MAKES 
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus from one Welshie to another! I’ve had such a fun day celebrating in the Eisteddfod with the kids, one of the perks of being a Welsh teacher! Lovely to see someone recommending Welsh authors, great post!
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Aw Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus to you too! I miss having Eisteddfod’s at school – they were the highlight of the year. We used to have a Best Dressed Leek competition and my grandpa always helped me ace it! I am very jealous! I realised how few Welsh authors I’d read a couple months back, so I’m trying to change that. Thanks!
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Haha that sounds SO fun!! Noting that down for next year!
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You should! It was my favourite thing. I remember making Merleek and Derleek Trotter. Those were good times!
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