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An Empty Chair
"Everyone will love this book – adults, children, teenagers and all – and it is the perfect way to tell us about the ‘war to end all wars’ – which didn’t."
Elizabeth Schlenther, Gwales
Young adult novel about poet Hedd Wyn, with vivid narration by his teenage sister Anni bringing the World War I setting to life. It centres on her relationships with older brother Ellis (Hedd Wyn) and best friend Lora, and on difficult decisions they have to face re family, friendship, love and honesty, as well the impact of the war on their community.
Tir na n-Og Award - Winner
"What Haf Llewelyn is able to portray is incredible; the depth of emotions and the poetry of the prose is beautifully crafted [...] Within the very first page, characters are brought to life before you and are immediately relatable and tangible.
Haf Llewelyn's writing style is impeccable; the present tense narrative from the point of view of thirteen year old Anni brings the story to a level that a teenager reading it could truly relate to." - Bethan Hindmarch, BethanMayBooks blog
Elizabeth Schlenther, Gwales
Young adult novel about poet Hedd Wyn, with vivid narration by his teenage sister Anni bringing the World War I setting to life. It centres on her relationships with older brother Ellis (Hedd Wyn) and best friend Lora, and on difficult decisions they have to face re family, friendship, love and honesty, as well the impact of the war on their community.
Tir na n-Og Award - Winner
"What Haf Llewelyn is able to portray is incredible; the depth of emotions and the poetry of the prose is beautifully crafted [...] Within the very first page, characters are brought to life before you and are immediately relatable and tangible.
Haf Llewelyn's writing style is impeccable; the present tense narrative from the point of view of thirteen year old Anni brings the story to a level that a teenager reading it could truly relate to." - Bethan Hindmarch, BethanMayBooks blog
120 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 6, 2018
The book is a translation of a Welsh language novel published a few years ago. Such is the success of that novel that it is already a staple on the GCSE curriculum in Wales. It is billed as the story of the Welsh war poet Hedd Wyn but it is more than that. Told through the eyes of Anni, a 13 year old girl, living in rural Wales, An Empty Chair shows the devastating impact the First World War had on such communities. Don’t expect action every minute; this is a book that focuses on a few key events and the impact they create.
As mentioned, the story is rooted in history and much of the story is true. Anni was the real-life sister of celebrated poet Hedd Wyn and their childhood home from the book can still be visited. What Haf Llewelyn has skillfully done is weave a powerful narrative between the facts. The characters have a certain realism about them and the plot itself is not overbearing, but invites the reader to consider the implications the war. Being told in the first person and through the eyes of a young teenager strikes home the situation faced by children during the war. This will hammer home to stark realities to modern day readers who may feel disconnected with the past.
I flew through the book, lapping up the story and relating it to my own upbringing in North Wales. I could picture the place sand communities mentioned. It also triggered memories of studying Hedd Wyn’s war poetry for my Welsh Literature GCSE. This gave me a reason to carry on reading. My worry is that others may overlook the book because of the Welshness. After all, Hedd Wyn is, by and large, not known outside of Wales so the story may not strike the same chord.
This would be a crying shame as this is undoubtedly an important book. The majority of books set in the World War are set in the trenches. This on the other hand, never strays from North Wales. It doesn’t focus on the inhumanity that soldiers faced, yet delves into the wide-reaching impact created at home. Families are pushed to the brink, life-long friendships are tested, conscientious objectors are frowned upon leaving their loved ones becoming outsiders. These are the war stories that are often overlooked. When I was studying the First World War with my Year 6 class last year, this is a story that I was crying out for.
The book is one aimed at the young adult market. By very nature of the content and also the narrative style, it is would be a challenging read for many primary aged children to tackle alone. It is a book that deserves a mature reader. One who will muse about the impact of war and the grim history it created. This is why it is perfect for teenagers. However, it is a book that I would use with a Year 6 class.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
As mentioned, the story is rooted in history and much of the story is true. Anni was the real-life sister of celebrated poet Hedd Wyn and their childhood home from the book can still be visited. What Haf Llewelyn has skillfully done is weave a powerful narrative between the facts. The characters have a certain realism about them and the plot itself is not overbearing, but invites the reader to consider the implications the war. Being told in the first person and through the eyes of a young teenager strikes home the situation faced by children during the war. This will hammer home to stark realities to modern day readers who may feel disconnected with the past.
I flew through the book, lapping up the story and relating it to my own upbringing in North Wales. I could picture the place sand communities mentioned. It also triggered memories of studying Hedd Wyn’s war poetry for my Welsh Literature GCSE. This gave me a reason to carry on reading. My worry is that others may overlook the book because of the Welshness. After all, Hedd Wyn is, by and large, not known outside of Wales so the story may not strike the same chord.
This would be a crying shame as this is undoubtedly an important book. The majority of books set in the World War are set in the trenches. This on the other hand, never strays from North Wales. It doesn’t focus on the inhumanity that soldiers faced, yet delves into the wide-reaching impact created at home. Families are pushed to the brink, life-long friendships are tested, conscientious objectors are frowned upon leaving their loved ones becoming outsiders. These are the war stories that are often overlooked. When I was studying the First World War with my Year 6 class last year, this is a story that I was crying out for.
The book is one aimed at the young adult market. By very nature of the content and also the narrative style, it is would be a challenging read for many primary aged children to tackle alone. It is a book that deserves a mature reader. One who will muse about the impact of war and the grim history it created. This is why it is perfect for teenagers. However, it is a book that I would use with a Year 6 class.
www.mrdaviesreads.co.uk
October 9, 2018
Wow. How in the world could I have found this book (listed as Teen) on the New Books table in the Fayetteville AR library?! It certainly says a lot about our wonderful library!
This is an English language translation of a Welsh book about the poet Hedd Wyn. I’ve been to Wales several times and knew of him, his death in WWI and his chair but this book about his family and neighbors, told from the pov of his younger sister really made his story personal.
If you see it, read it. It’s easy reading and only 120 or so pages long. It’s worth it.
This is an English language translation of a Welsh book about the poet Hedd Wyn. I’ve been to Wales several times and knew of him, his death in WWI and his chair but this book about his family and neighbors, told from the pov of his younger sister really made his story personal.
If you see it, read it. It’s easy reading and only 120 or so pages long. It’s worth it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews