Customer Reviews

The Orphans of Carmarthen

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A fantastic novel, and a must-read for any native of Wales.

Not only are the characters of the people and land portrayed in beautiful, lyrical writing; the spirit of Wales becomes very nearly tangible in this great novel. This work is replete with local superstitions, myths, and legends; giving the reader a clear insight into the heart and mind of a nation.

Once I started reading the book I couldnt put it down. I learned about the welsh people and there traditions. I would love to visit the country side there. I was being taken along with the boy and his dog on all the adventures. The people of Carmarthen came alive to me as they found ways to deal with an orphan in there midst. When Emrys went in the cave and down the dark passages, I found myself right there with him. His discovery down in the cave was a wonderful surprise. I can hardly wait to see if there will be a second book. I want to know what happened to Emrys, his dog and the people of Carmarthen.
If you want to read something that will keep you wanting to read more buy this book. I guarentee you will love it.

This novel is quite accurate, within the mythological framework. I particularly enjoyed the adventures of the young boy within the cave of the dragons. Full of myths and great descriptive language. Would recommend highly.

'The Orphans of Carmarthen is a fictional account of an orphaned boy and his ever faithful dog as they attempt to survive the poverty of Wales after the demise of the Roman invasion. Their struggles become all the more arduous when confronted by English invaders and the unearthing of dragons beneath the rolling countryside.'

The author triumphs in creating a work of fiction entirely appropriate to the historical environment, while embracing the superstitions and legends of a long-forgotten age. Set against the underlying, growing animosity of the Welsh and British, the druidic priesthood and the rapidly developing Christian brotherhood, the insightful revelations of a child are pitted against the situational ethics of his community. This young boy's struggles haunt the dreams of those whose existence remains snared within the twenty-first century; struggles which continue to echo through the consciousness of all humankind.