A modern novel in four parts encompassing neolithic technology and the Suez Crisis, terrorism and the French Revolution, by a highly regarded author.

Nofel fodern mewn pedair rhan yn cwmpasu technoleg neolithig ac Argyfwng Suez, terfysgaeth a'r Chwylfro Ffrengig, gan awdur poblogaidd.

The title, Totes Meer, is influenced by Paul Nash’s painting of second world war German aircraft crashed in a field. The collection of four individual stories represents the expressive voices of young and old characters. We are taken through some very different imaginations and perspectives.

In ‘A Rabbit’, there is a young male voice telling us of an almost intimate experience of a visit to farming relatives. ‘In Chrysalis’ is a young female voice who engages with the Suez crisis and the concept of physical knowledge. ‘A letter to a dog’ has the narrator writing to his own deceased dog, Doris. He reflects upon his relationships throughout his life and ponders cleverly on the concept of the birth of human language during neolithic times. Vaughan is refreshingly honest and entertaining in his speculation on such times. In ‘Slug Heaven’ an ageing artist lives alone in a Welsh cottage and explores through dialogue with her long-standing visitor friend their curious history together, both artistically and politically.

These four stories amount to a highly engaging and thought-provoking collection of work.

Clare Maynard

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.