Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates LARGE PRINT

by Beth Haslam

Imagine a land protected by craggy mountains, lapped by whispering seas, and guarded by mighty fortresses with bloody histories. This is North Wales, home to the legendary red dragon, and Beth Haslam's beloved birthplace. Petulant ponies, neurotic sheepdogs and rabbits with razor-sharp teeth shape Beth's life as she grows up on a farm estate. She'll tell you tales of sailing the treacherous Menai Strait Swellies, site of many a dark happening. You'll learn about the stunning region whose slate once roofed the world, and the ghost-filled castle she called home. This is no ordinary upbringing. Croeso i Gymru!

Genres: Memoir

522 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2023

About the author

Beth Haslam was brought up on a country estate in Wales. Deep in the countryside, her childhood was spent either on horseback, helping the gamekeepers raise pheasants, or out sailing. After a serious car crash in 1991, she set up her own consultancy business.
As semi-retirement beckoned, Beth and her husband, Jack, decided to buy a second home in France. This became a life-changing event where computers and mobile phones swapped places with understanding the foibles of the French, and tackling the language. Beth is now occupied as never before. Raising and saving animals, writing, and embracing everything that rural France has to offer; she’s loving it!

Reviews

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 breathtaking parts of the British Isles. Having spent every childhood holiday in Wales myself, I enjoyed Beth’s wonderfully vivid 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, humour, animals and glorious scenery and I laughed out loud at several of her anecdotes.

As for her education, I can only sympathise having had to follow that route myself. For extra enjoyment, there are lovely 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.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin?

Having read one the first book in this author’s Fat Dogs and French Estates series (can’t wait to read more), I was intrigued by this prequel, eager to learn more about the woman who had so many wonderful tales to share about her life in France.

As it turns out, the girl who grew up in Wales was every bit as fascinating. I know people with many different childhood stories, but Beth Haslam’s was truly unlike anything I’ve heard before. With each chapter, I couldn’t help but imagine how many children’s series could have been developed from just her life alone: Her family, animals, school adventures, sailing, castle-living, and so much more. Not only is this memoir enchanting, but it is so beautifully written that it just draws the reader in.

This memoir not only tells of a magical childhood, but the historic value of this book, in my opinion, should not be overlooked. Haslam takes great care to share her Welsh heritage with readers, from proverbs to language to pronunciation of those very easy-to-pronounce (not!) Welsh words. I couldn’t help but think that I hope this book will be read by generations to come: there is so very much to be learned and appreciated.

I found this book to be enlightening, entertaining, and rich in detail. This was a labor of love. It’s clear how much effort the author put into the writing, especially having to go back decades to bring the past to life again.

Truly delightful. I just loved it.

[Lisa Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating account from Beth Haslam’s Fat Dogs series. This one, though, is set, not in sunny France, but wet Wales. Taking us back to her Welsh childhood, Beth instils in the reader a sense of the majesty and the rich history of her homeland. With tales of growing up (with many dogs, fat or otherwise, as well as a veritable menagerie of other animals) interspersed with tales of Welsh legends, this book not only provides a background history to this lovely author, but teaches us so much about that damp and beautiful land in the west.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest memoir from Beth Haslam is captivating. In it she describes her childhood growing up in north Wales, a land of legends and lore. I loved her accounts of listening to her Pa's stories and I can see where she got her love of history. What a fascinating childhood she had, with lots of freedom yet it wasn't all fun as there were plenty chores to be done, homework to complete ,animals to care for, or weeds to be pulled out.
I loved her tales of outings to various castles, picnics at the beach or misadventures on her bike, all recounted with such humour and affection for those times. Wonderful memories. There were many which made me laugh and others which made me want to cry. It's both funny and poignant. I loved the chapter headings and fun, quirky dragon illustrations along with the various quotes. We were also treated to some wonderful Welsh words like Gwladgarol and Hwyl - get your tongue round those! As well as lessons in Welsh pronunciation there are links to some tasty Welsh recipes.
It's a fantastic prequel to The Fat Dogs and French Estates series. I just loved it.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reflections on an idyllic childhood.

Beth Haslam's new memoir is a wonderful reflection on a very idyllic and adventure filled childhood in rural North Wales. Her love of the picturesque countryside, the animals and bird life are vividly depicted in every chapter - it's like the Welsh version of the Durrells!
I laughed out loud on several occasions, and shed a few tears as well.
The author has included many of the renown Welsh legends and phrases, along with some delicious recipes.
I was privileged to be a beta reader for this extremely enjoyable memoir, and have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welsh Estates and Childhood Dreams

What a fabulous author Beth is. I've loved all her Fat Dogs in France adventures, and now we get to learn about her childhood. What a privileged life she led. Not by living in a wealthy family with huge estates - none of her childhood homes were owned by the family - but by having loving parents, freedom to roam the Welsh countryside, learning to sail the fearsome Swellies, having animals to love, and the obligatory annoying elder sister. This book is peppered with historic facts and Welsh legends, but they're woven into the story in such a clever way. I loved reading about Beth's developing love for animals, which shines out so brightly in her other books, but she also has a deep appreciation for people, and describes their characters so well. It's been a long wait for this book, but it's definitely worth the wait. If you've loved Beth's other books you will delight in this one. And if you haven't read the Fat Dogs in France series, this is a perfect book to start enjoying Beth's adventures. Do I recommend this book? Wholeheartedly. It's fabulous.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it says in the blurb, this is not ordinary upbringing. It is a childhood many of us would envy, filled with wondrous playgrounds on some of Wales most prominent estates and haunted castles, filled with dogs, cats, ponies and adventures on land and on the seas surrounding Anglesey and across the Channel..

The writing is wonderfully descriptive throughout the book which is certainly highly entertaining, but it also informative as it contains some wonderful nuggets of Welsh history and colourful mythology.

You are drawn into the book from the first page and are treated to some wonderful moments such as the vision of a keen but inexperienced five year old tacking up a rather temperamental rotund pony with a tendency to nip. Later in the book we join the now far more experienced rider mounted on a glorious young but eager steed across the fields on a drag hunt, as hounds chase a smelly bag rather than a fox. Horses of every breed including racing thoroughbreds play a leading role Beth Haslam’s childhood and teens. Along with her love of the dogs, cats and other creatures adopted into the family or living in the surrounding gardens, it is no wonder she grew up to be so passionate about animals and nature.

Of course it was not all play, and being sent to boarding school at 11 certainly resulted in her missing her human and animal companions a great deal during term time, with a determination to make up for it at half-term and holidays. This she did in style making the most of the majestic surroundings and the amazing coastline. There didn’t seem to be many days spent indoors despite the unpredictable weather and many skills were developed apart from equestrian, including sailing and later on even fly fishing.

Of course a love of animals, particularly those not usually long-lived comes with loss and there are moments when even in an idyllic childhood sorrow intrudes. Family life is disrupted on a number of occasions but it is clear that Beth’s parents took their role as guardians seriously in preparing their two daughters for life and a successful future.

This book is uplifting and filled with joy with many memorable moments. Such as being able to witness the investiture of our now King Charles as Prince of Wales.

I lived and worked in Snowdonia back in the 1970s so it did bring back many happy memories of both the stunning environment of mountains and coastal areas, the people, the history, language and of course the singing. For those who have never visited Wales, I can assure you reading this book will definitely encourage you to do so. A delightful read and one I am more than happy to recommend. Looking forward to the other books in the series that follow this introduction.

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates

Beth Haslam’s latest memoir is a joyful ode to the Wales she grew up in. Filled with pets, love, fulfilling hobbies, interesting homes and more than a few characters, Beth’s childhood sounds idyllic. Her close relationship with her older sister, DI is heartwarming, despite the teasing. There are some exciting and dangerous escapades while sailing, horse-riding and even a possible ghostly encounter in a castle they were living in at the time, and a few tragedies when various beloved pets passed away, and her parents split up. The over-arching feeling of this book, however, is one of happiness and a full, hearty childhood lived mostly outdoors.
In terms of characters, I particularly liked Dilys, the castle tour guide, with her predilection for malapropisms and ability to sense ghosts because she was “septic”.
Beth has a gift for the comedic delivery of what could otherwise seem fairly ordinary events, such as her mother carving the Christmas dinner:

“Ma was, by now, thoroughly jolly and decided to have a bash at carving. This was a bad idea. The couple of ‘reviver sherries’ she’d snuck down were taking their toll. The crepe paper party hat had slipped over her pin head and obscured one eye. Ma was looking like a prim pirate. Di removed the brandished carving knife to save Ma from accidental self-harming and took over the carving duties.”

I thoroughly recommend this hilarious memoir and as an added bonus, Beth has included links to Welsh recipes at the end.

[Katie Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter, Tears, and Rollicking Fun!

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates is a rousing and thoroughly entertaining memoir from author Beth Haslam, chronicling her childhood in Wales.

From her early years in a rambling, drafty old house with her parents, her sister Di, and an assortment of dogs, ponies, and farm animals, to a two-up, two-down cottage with her mother, even a stay at a stately home that turns out to be an actual castle, there’s never a dull moment.

Brimming with Welsh lore and history and amusing (and sometimes harrowing) accounts of horseback riding, racing, and helping her father navigate a yacht through a series of treacherous whirlpools, Beth is fearless and determined, whether escaping from quicksand on the moor or passing her A-levels.

There are translations of Welsh words and sayings as well as a yummy selection of traditional Welsh recipes. I look forward to reading more of this enchanting series!

[Alyson Sheldrake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and enjoyable read.
I really loved reading about this author’s childhood. Her stories of her home life, pets, ponies, and boarding school, together with her sailing adventures with her Pa, were really well written and fascinating to read. I felt as if I travelled alongside her as she recounted funny stories and amusing experiences and cleverly revealed her childhood thoughts and fears as she grew up in a series of fabulously unusual homes. Her love of animals shines through every page, as well as her appreciation and knowledge of all things Welsh, and this was a charming book full of stories of legend and history. The book is also beautifully illustrated throughout and a great prequel to her ‘Fat Dogs’ series. Highly recommended.

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved going on these childhood adventures in the gorgeous countryside of North Wales with the adorable Beth, well, except for the spiders. She has a gift for storytelling, and I was delighted to hear Welsh myths, legends, and history unfold as if I were watching it happen on the big screen. My favorite part was Beth’s sailing adventure to France. And don’t let me forget the wonderful animals, which become a huge part of Beth’s life in future series books that I’ve already had the joy of reading.

[Pat Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to beta read this perfect prequel to Beth Haslam’s ‘fantastic’ Fat Dogs and French Estates series.
Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates gives us a great insight into the authors younger years - providing, in her usual way, delicious descriptions of her home life. We learn snippets of her family life, jaunts & fun with her sister, and, how her young life gave rise to her interest in and love of animals. A super read, heartfelt, funny, descriptive - a great addition to this series.

[Laurette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of the Fat Dogs series are in for a treat with the latest book by Beth Haslam, a coming-of-age memoir set in the land of her birth, Wales.
We see her first as a six-year-old with Ma, learning to ride, something that would become a passion, and which introduces one of the book’s themes – the author’s love for animals, her strong bonds with her pets, her heartbreak at those inevitable goodbyes that every pet lover will instantly identify with.
If animals are part of her everyday life – the bantams, geese, horses, dogs, hamsters and rabbits on the rural estate where she grows up – so is the beauty of the natural world around her, the landscapes of north Wales, to which Beth is so attuned, its myths and legends, its history and heritage of song.
This is perhaps the most mysterious corner of the UK, with its swirling mists of dragon’s breath descending over the mountains and lakes. It is one of the fabled domains of King Arthur; driving past Lake Ogwen, Pa reminds the children its shadowy depths are supposed to contain the magical sword, Excalibur. Both Ma and Pa are wonderfully-drawn characters; despite his English education, Pa is resolutely Celtic, especially in terms of his stature which, Beth tells us was ‘relatively close to the ground… our Great Dane, Gus, was nearly as tall (as he was)…’
Such humour is another of the book’s delights. The accounts of Primary School Sports Day are laugh-out-loud – poor Sally, in the sack race, ‘devoid of natural hopping instincts ‘, the parents’ event, the hundred yard dash – ‘a personality-transforming activity for some’.
One of the things that struck me was how such a childhood seems almost unbelievable nowadays, reminiscent of fictional golden ages of innocence where children were free to roam the countryside, where forbidden midnight feasts and scary stories in the moonlit dorm were part of boarding school life, even though the participants were all freezing to death and lived on a diet of unimaginably awful meals.
It’s a freedom and insouciance unfamiliar to most children today, who have grown up with lockdowns and separations from loved ones, and whose futures are haunted by spectres of pandemics and global destruction.
The memoir ends with Beth, having obtained the necessary grades, on the verge of leaving home to study in England.
But ‘wherever I ended up in the future, I knew Wales would always be in my heart,’ she writes, also reflecting how lucky she’d been to have such an idyllic upbringing.
Lucky indeed, and one of the factors that may explain the adult she grew into, the sunny optimism and kindness of the later raconteuse, describing yet another new life, this one in France.
Readers who haven’t yet discovered the ‘Fat Dogs and French Estates’ series - what are you waiting for?

[Joy York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates is the first memoir I have read by Beth Haslam. What a magnificent storyteller she is. Her depiction of daily life growing up in Wales is like a beautiful fairytale presented in living color. I was captivated from the first page with the rich traditions of the Welsh in myths, legends, barbs, poetry, and music. Her childhood living in large manor and farm estates with drafty rooms, pesky spiders, a menagerie of lovable pets, paddocks full of ponies, and an array of farm animals literally come to vivid life on the pages. Whether she was picking vegetables from the garden, pulling ragwort from among the bluebells and daffodils, riding her pony through the fields with her sister Di, fishing for mackerel in the straights with her Pa, or visiting a friend’s manor known to be inhabited by ghosts who shuffle books, it is all a magical adventure.

The story begins when Beth is four years old and takes us through her life living on the rural manors with her Pa, Ma, and sister Di. With practical and loving parents, the family takes advantage of all the beautiful sites Wales has to offer. The pristine lakes, beautiful mountains, historic castles, idyllic ancient villages, and sailing trips through the ocean straights. Every outing is a teachable moment about the rich history of Wales and an opportunity to nourish their children’s curiosity, imagination, sense of pride of homeland, and independence. Beth is encouraged to follow her passions in riding competitions, sports, sailing, fishing, and biking. Her caring parents are always there to support and continue to steer her course to success.

I fell so in love with this magical country and this family that I was constantly stopping to look up locations, foods, animals, legends, myths, and influential historical figures. I was invested in their lives and their futures. Through it all, the loving family pets remain constant supports and loving companions. Monty, a Great Dane, and Paddington or Patty, an English Setter, are the heart of the home. The cats, ponies, rabbits, and gerbils all play a part in this family’s history.

I highly recommend this memoir of Beth Haslam’s childhood and her amazing life growing up in Wales.

[Glynis Perfect · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Haslam has done it again...

Highly anticipated after reading all of her Fat Dog and French Estate series, I thoroughly enjoyed Beth Haslam's early childhood in her beloved North Wales. It evoked a lot of fond memories for me too. I didn't want it to end.
She chooses so accurately the right words to describe the beautiful and scenic countryside in Snowdonia where she was brought up. Thanks to her Fathers job she lived in big houses with lots of land and experienced life with her home and garden loving Mother who was a mine of information about her natural surroundings land and sea. Also encouraging her with her love of horses, dogs and cats and all the wild life around them the freedom to enjoy being surrounded by them.Her father an intrepid sailor who taught her the joys of sailing and entertained her and her sister with old folklore stories of Wales. Never a dull moment for her adventurous family who still had to do chores and learn responsibility. I even enjoyed her boarding school yarns a lot of giggles there.
I can see why Beth chose the life in France and settled in so happily. Her childhood years in Snowdonia laid the foundations to adapt so easily to her future life on a French Estate.
As always there are a gamut of emotions Beth puts you through tears, laughter and surprises. You really feel you are there with her.
A nice touch was before each chapter a verse or quote and a Welsh lesson on a chosen Welsh word and how it is pronounced. I found I was getting quite proficient in by the end of her book.
Can't wait to try out some of the Welsh food recipes many of which I am already familiar with. Having Welsh blood in me and after being a frequent visitor to both North and South Wales I now know so much more of this beautiful land of the Red Dragon and it's wonderful people. Thank you Beth Haslam for sharing.

[Jacqueline Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting tale of childhood in North Wales

I have read and enjoyed Beth Haslam’s French sagas. This book particularly appealed as I have a deep love for North Wales, as well as dogs and horses. Some of my earliest memories are of family holidays in Snowdonia, which nurtured my desire to study in this land of music, mist, mountains, and myths.

Beth’s lyrical prose is easy to read and full of colour and imagination. She brings to life the wonder of childhood, her beautiful surroundings, and a colourful cast of animals who helped make life special. Song and storytelling are integral to Welsh life, and along the way, Beth weaves in cultural snippets and many wonderful Welsh legends. Secretly, I wonder if she took note of one of those legends. Perhaps she did spend a night atop Cader Idris and returned a bard.

Although her childhood was very privileged in many ways, her upbringing was strict, and Beth is always modest about her achievements as a sailor, horsewoman, and academic. The one abiding mystery is what her father did for a living. Beth writes from the point of view of a child who doesn’t really understand these things, but I am nosey!

Apart from the delightful story, I loved the additions, such as an introduction to some Welsh words, proverbs, and traditional Welsh recipes. It’s impossible to understand a culture without understanding its language. An example of this is the Welsh word 'hiraeth', which has no direct English translation.

Reading this book filled me with 'hiraeth'. It is best translated as nostalgia or longing - for Wales, the country, and the parts of my own happy childhood I spent in the land of castles and dragons.

I received a copy of this book as a prize in a competition, but am voluntarily leaving my own honest and unbiased review.

[Kathryn Gauci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Beth Haslam's other books set in France, I was intrigued to read her memoir set in Wales. As expected, it didn't disappoint and I couldn't put it down. Beth is a master storyteller when it comes to memoirs. Her writing style is eloquent, witty, and filled with snippets of entertaining information. This memoir explores her childhood growing up in a privileged setting in a beautifully wild and scenic part of North Wales. Her love of the outdoors and animals is evident and a constant throughout the narrative. One only has to read her Fat Dogs and French Estates series to know how much animals are a huge part of her life. In this story, we can see that love was nurtured from a very early age.
Like most people, we are influenced by both parents, and Beth is no exception. They are crucial to this story, as is the very essence of being a proud Welshwoman. The Welsh history, language, and geography, have given them a unique identity. Think Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins, and so many more. Being distinctly Welsh was what formed them. Coming from England, I had no idea just now how potent this was. I love the fact that the Welsh still hold their language dear, and the myths - well, what can I say! They are as wonderful as myths can get. I particularly enjoyed the Welsh proverbs, full of wisdom in their simplicity. As for each Welsh word that Beth gives us at the end of each chapter, (important to that chapter) I am afraid to say I would struggle to even string a sentence together. I absolutely loved the book and if you love memoirs, I can't recommend it highly enough and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Linda Hawkswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing and delightful childhood

Beth takes us on a journey through her idyllic childhood days, growing up and living in North Wales. This latest memoir captivates the reader as Beth recounts her fascinating childhood growing up in various unusual homes, we also learn how she became the animal lover she is today. This memoir is peppered with Welsh folklore, legends, and historical facts as well as her beloved Pa's fascinating stories, not forgetting the wonderful Welsh words – some easy and others not so easy to pronounce.

Of course, there are the dreaded boarding school days but oh what joy she had in the holidays. Summer days are filled with family days out, visiting castles and beaches with picnics, well this is after all the mundane chores are completed first. Biking adventures and misadventures, trekking on her pony and even entering into shows and competitions, sailing days with Pa and learning how to master the swellies

What an intriguing and fascinating childhood all recounted in Beth's unique style which holds the reader captivated. I loved the dragon illustrations, well done to Maggie, and this memoir makes a wonderful prequel to Fat Dogs and French Estates.

Thank you Beth for a truly magnificent read, your writing makes me feel as if I am there with you.

I can highly recommend reading this book.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beth Haslam’s newest book Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates, she truly brings her Fat Dog series full circle. She very descriptively shares the things that shaped her, and readers better understand why she stocked her new estate in France with certain creatures and fat dogs.

She was born and raised in Wales while growing up in a loving family that had horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and pigs, to name a few. Her rich childhood on farms introduced her to gardening, equestrian skills, tennis, biking, yachting, hockey, rugby, singing and traveling while listening to her father’s colorful storytelling about various Welsh legends. Visible castles, scenic mountains, and beautiful terrain gave her the freedom to roam and discover whenever she was not tucked away in boarding school receiving an exceptional education.

Her Ma, Pa and sister Di experienced daily life together and here, she creatively opens each chapter with a famous Welsh quote and closes each chapter with a new Welsh word with its meaning and pronunciation. Beth spins this childhood yarn while embodying her father’s special knack for engaging his listeners and we feel even closer to her. She wrote, “The best candle is understanding,” (Welsh Proverb) and this prequel certainly shines the light!

[Ronald Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children can be raised well by able parents under the most varied of circumstances. That Beth Haslam and her elder sister were brought up surrounded by love and a wide range of animals in the glorious Welsh countryside by caring and capable parents makes this account of a thoughtful young woman’s life all the more delightful.

Who of us is not intrigued by a childhood surrounded by lawns, flowers and gardens, cats with kittens, dogs with litters, chickens and pullets, donkeys, ponies, horses and foals. Not only surrounded by these wonders, but given responsibility for their growth and wellbeing!

Beth was also trained to crew sailing boats large and small.

Although her parents parted ways when she and her sister were in their teens, it was done amicably knowing that they’d raised their children to react with confidence to the inescapable blows this world deals.

I enjoyed this “Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates: Prequel” to Beth Haslam’s popular “Fat Dogs” series as much for the insights she offers into those who help us to grow into confident, capable and compassionate adults as for her accounts of the animals both domestic and wild that were an integral part of her preparation for a happy and fulfilling life.

[Lally Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful read beautifully illustrated with amusing artwork by Maggie Raynor.
Beth’s prequel to her superb Fat Dogs and French Estates series is a journey back to her Welsh roots and childhood. And what a charmed childhood she enjoyed.
Beth has a lovely, free-flowing style of writing which makes all her books a joy to read. Her memories of growing up in her beloved homeland of north Wales bounce off the page with warmth and wit. Unusual homes range from rambling estate houses to a castle. Her exploits include sailing adventures (and misadventures); horse riding and drag hunting; the dreaded boarding school where the girls suffered chef’s ‘gristle burgers’ and launched deadly attacks on opposing hockey teams, but also where Beth’s talent for singing was actively encouraged.
The myths, mountains, moors and magic of Wales are described with deep affection by Beth, and her devotion and love for all animals is plain to see.

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates will leave a lasting impression of warmth and happiness, and if you want to prolong the enjoyment I can highly recommend you follow Beth’s links and try some delicious Welsh recipes.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A multi-layered memoir about growing up in Wales. Well, where do I start without giving away too much? This is a unique childhood memoir that has several layers - it's not only about growing up in Wales, but it's also a history book about Wales where myths and historical facts about the country are cleverly woven into the memoir. I found it educational. I laughed and cried my way through this fascinating Memoir. Although I am a contemporary of the author, she had a very different childhood to mine and I was fascinated to read about it: especially the animals, the extreme sports (riding/sailing), boarding school, and the people and characters so vividly portrayed; and I enjoyed reading how she navigated the ups and downs of life, finding a resilience during the "downs" and developing emotional awareness gratefulness during the "ups". As someone who is quarter Welsh myself, I loved learning some Welsh words - these were carefully chosen words to reflect the feeling of each chapter, and I particularly loved the wonderful quirky and wise Welsh proverbs which I'd never heard before. The recipes at the end are delightful bonus material.

[Luisa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read this author's series about living in France, it was no surprise to read about her having had a childhood and adolesence surrounded by animals. This memoir reveals why Beth has an affinity to all forms of wildlife. She took her unusual home background for granted. Beth relates growing up in draughty stately homes whose nooks and crannies oozed history. Welsh history is brought to life, intertwining with the story of a girl as she develops through her school years. Boarding school did not suit such a free spirit but she had no choice other than to obey. Holidays were periods of happiness when she could give vent to her free spirit, sailing or riding, pushing out of mind the ever-present study for exams for which she understandably cared little when there was so much beautiful countryside to explore. The book moves along from year to year, covering trials, tribulations, moments of change and sadness. We accompany the author as she grows and are left wondering how she will evolve and if university will alter her.

[Wendy Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates: Series Prequel” by Beth Haslam is a marvelous memoir. The author’s beautiful writing, descriptions, and the biographical story pulls the reader right into the scenery and landscape. “Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates” centers around family, history, lore, nature, adventure, and the unspoiled Wales the author forever has in her heart, marrow, and soul.

The author’s memoir reminded me of the author & naturalist Gerald Durell, as Ms. Haslam carries a similar cadence in how she entwines a love and intimacy of the surroundings as a juxtaposition to inner growth and self-awareness.

This is a beautiful memoir that expresses a young girl’s discovery and forming her identity against the beauty, ruggedness, magic, mystery, and unspoiled and resilient landscape of Wales and its inhabitants (including animals).

The author opens and closes each chapter with a Welsh quote and a Welsh word (with pronunciation and definition). Adding the quotes and words to each chapter was like a gold thread to this awe-inspiring tapestry of her beloved Wales.

The author so inspired me with her writing and memoir that I now hope to travel to Wales and ideally learn some basic Welsh before I travel. Ms. Haslam artfully conveys the magical tapestry of Wales in all its varied textures, smells, sights, touch, and sounds, and the reader understands the resilience and unpretentiousness of the geography is forever in Ms. Haslam’s spirit and sight.

Absolutely lovely read! And I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the author’s books in this series.

[Cristina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in experiences and love. This book is an absolutely delight. At once poignant and nostalgic, the author generously shares her childhood and her beloved Wales with us. Growing up in an eclectic array of estates, Beth Haslam immerses the reader with a rich and multilayered (and often humorous!) appreciation for the history, beauty, language, epic legends and magical folklore of her home. Already deeply enchanted with Wales, this author has reinvigorated my desire to return and explore and be swept away. If “hiraeth” means a longing for a home just beyond our grasp, this book brings that home just a bit closer. 



I won Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates in a competition. Though I haven’t yet read her Fat Dogs and French Estates series (for which this book is a prequel), I just purchased the first three in a boxed set! Write on, Beth Haslam.

[Sharon Hayhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a fan of Beth’s ‘Fat Dogs & French Estate’s’ series for years, I was interested to read about Beth’s childhood years. Her writing almost brought me to tears, evoking nostalgic memories of childhood, simpler times, a close family, and where children were left to roam and make their own adventures. I was equally left smiling, happy memories stirred by Beth’s writing. Growing up on the northern coast of Wales looking across the Menai Strait, Beth’s early years are shaped by the sea, tales of ship wrecks, and fishing, then moves on to life in a delightful rural Welsh idyll. This is where we see Beth’s love of animals and nature firmly cemented. Beth expertly weaves together Welsh legends told by Pa, and history, with her own rich descriptions. For me, reading this book felt like a warm embrace, 5 stars.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what I could add to all the wonderful reviews already posted on this delightful memoir, except to say that for me, it was a sweet glimpse into the early life of a woman I've come to know through not only her captivating previous memoirs and our We Love Memoirs Facebook group, but as a personal friend and confidant. I loved reading about her childhood, her family dynamics, and all the animals who were a part of her life growing up. Beth has painted a picture of what every childhood should be, surrounded by love, tutored with wisdom, days filled with laughter and adventure, and most of all, my own personal passion, horses! This memoir is absolutely enchanting. You're going to love it too!

[Annie Voguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Beth’s books I’ve read and will not be the last. Her description of childhood is of an idyll filled with horses, dogs, beautiful countryside, family and laughter. I particularly enjoyed how she weaved so much into the stories, the myths, the history, the food, the little bit of Welsh, and didn’t hold back on the moments of sadness that inevitably are part and parcel of owning animals. It’s clear there is deep affection in her childhood memories and the family unit she grew up in. A charming and well written page turner.

[Stephanie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a Book - It's a Treasure

Beth grew up in an amazing collection of Welsh country estates—none of which her cash-strapped parents owned. Wealth could not have purchased her idyllic childhood, filled as it was with animals and fierce pride in Wales.
The characters in her book—human and animal—are unforgettable, as are the places from her boarding school to the castle that saw her off to university. Add the Welsh words, proverbs, and recipes and “Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates” becomes a treasure.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book in the Fat Dogs series. This one much different to the French Estates series as it tells the story of Beth's childhood, and what an interesting one it was. As always animals featured often in the stories and you can see where Beth's love of all furry creatures began. Not a conventional upbringing but certainly interesting and character building. I loved this book, a must read!