The Midwinters

Hedd, the sensitive narrator, claims that he likes language, which is more than borne out by the rich linguistic style and imagery of this tale. He also claims to like stories with plenty of action – not quite so evident! This’ll definitely require thoughtful readers, who don’t necessarily need plot to keep turning the pages.

In a small wintery Welsh seaside town Hedd and his mum are trying to pull their lives back together after the abusive, drunken dad walks out. Into their lives come the bright and exotic Midwinters, mother and daughter circus act. Over the course of the year lives and attitudes alter and blossom for all the Williams family, including Dad, at which point Mistletoe and Celyn, plus their magical marionettes, disappear, presumably to bring healing joy and sparkle into another beleaguered family’s existence. DB