Magical and marvellous
I’ve been waiting for this book for months and now I’ve read it, I’m filled with Welsh hiraeth. What a magical memoir about Beth Haslam’s wonderful upbringing in Wales. For a family who were always tenants and never owners, they lived in the most beautiful and special homes in one of the most magical parts of the British Isles. Having spent every childhood holiday in Wales myself, I enjoyed Beth’s beautiful descriptions of her northern Welsh environs from the mountain views of Snowdonia to the dangerous Menai straits and gorgeous Anglesey. Her upbringing was strict, with every privilege accompanied by endless chores to earn it, but she was surrounded with love, animals and glorious scenery. As for her education, I can only sympathise having had to follow that route myself. For extra enjoyment, there are beautiful quotes from Welsh literature, wonderful Welsh recipes and lyrical Welsh words in every chapter, not forgetting the delightful illustrations . I loved it all. Well done, Beth Haslam. This book is a triumph.