A heartwarming and poignant story portraying the beautiful love- story of a husband and wife as, in old age, they face death and reflect on their childhood, courtship and a strong marriage. 5 black-and-white illustrations.

Stori gynnes a dwys yn portreadu carwriaeth hyfryd gwr a gwraig wrth iddynt, yn eu henaint, wynebu marwolaeth a myfyrio ar droadau plentyndod, eu carwriaeth a'u priodas gref. 5 llun du-a-gwyn.

Many years ago, a now almost forgotten writer published a novel with the title Ordinary People. Had Patrick Corcoran been looking for an alternative title for his novel, it would have been an apt one.

He has recreated, partly from his own family history, a world where a couple live their courtship and marriage through much of the twentieth century. In fact, we find Cecil in old age confined to a hotel room which appears to resemble more one in a residential home. Here he is visited by Noreen each day, but, in her absence, his thoughts are constantly focused on her and their life together. He reads, time and again, the letters which she wrote to him years ago. These are actually an integral part of the novel and reveal key elements in their relationship. The use of photographs also enhances the verisimilitude of the story.

Refreshingly, this is a novel about good people and the constancy of love.

Seren have published an interesting output of fiction over the last few years but this stands out as rather unexpected and is to be welcomed.

Dewi Roberts

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.