A debut novel told entirely through e-mails, and based on the correspondence of friends in an office call-centre. The main character Martin is tired of customer services, in denial over breaking up with his girlfriend, worried about 'that incident' and is baffled by the triviality of his life. It is at once, funny and brutally sad, and a genuine response to 21st century society.

Nofel gyntaf a adroddir yn gyfangwbl drwy gyfrwng e-byst y mae ffrindiau yn eu hanfon at ei gilydd mewn swyddfa. Mae'r prif gymeriad wedi blino ar wasanaethau cwsmeriaid, mae'n gwrthod credu fod ei berthynas â'i gariad ar ben, ac ni all gredu pa mor ystrydebol yw ei fywyd. Stori ddoniol a thrist ac adwaith gonest i gymdeithas yr 21 ganrif.

A bitter-sweet (primarily bitter) reaction to the throwaway ‘live for the weekend’ ideals of the bland, battery-farm culture that brainwashes a large proportion of the population day in, day out across the land, this is a stunningly perceptive novel. As Llewellyn rips away the acceptable sheen of those who immerse themselves in hollow 9-5 boredom locked in an office, while the real world progresses unnoticed on the outside, the reader finds themselves recognising snippets from their own lives.

Intriguingly written in the form of e-mails sent around the office – and some wisely not sent at all – Llewellyn relies solely on the words of each individual, and the discussions protagonist Mark has about them, to dramatise their personalities and gradually uncover their delicate secrets. From small-minded characters wrapped up in their own self-obsession to interesting, talented individuals stuck in an administrative rut, Llewellyn starkly illustrates the hopeless waste of a nation’s talent as they lose themselves in a vicious circle of chasing financial gain.

But despite the fascinating prose, dialogue, mix of personalities and intriguing manner that this book is written, only as you read on does the enormity of the author’s point crash home. Still the narrow-minded e-mails, abusive and ignorant e-mails fly about the office whilst the biggest event of the 21st century rages on. And suddenly, this clever insightful work becomes all the more poignant.

I would heartily recommend this book as literally the most individual, entertaining and thought-provoking text I have read in a long time. However, be warned if you enjoy the quiet life. This book may quite seriously encourage you to quit your job, and discover something fresh and exciting.

Jack Clothier

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.