An entertaining collection of 28 diverse prose pieces reflecting the influence of short and long-term visits to various countries and continents on 27 writers, their reaction to new cultures and the literary inspiration gained, with short biographical notes on the contributors.

Casgliad difyr o 28 darn rhyddiaith amrywiol yn adlewyrchu dylanwad ymweliadau byrion a hwy i amryfal wledydd a chyfandiroedd ar 27 llenor, eu hymateb i ddiwylliannau newydd a'r ysbrydoliaeth llenyddol a enillwyd, gyda nodiadau bywgraffyddol am y cyfranwyr.

Roberts has produced a marvellous bran-tub of recollections, written by women with a colossal variety of styles and approaches. I applaud Roberts for her choice of authors; she has managed to avoid all the modern clichés and has created a highly original collection.

From 1914 to 2002 we hear from women who for various reasons have found themselves far from ‘their Wales’. Two historic pieces are also included, giving us an insight into the women who travelled in the 19th century. As one would expect with in excess of 25 contributors, it is catholic in its content.

One tale I particularly enjoyed was a charming account by Rona Laycock of an incident in North-west India, where Laycock, innocently shopping for a forthcoming dinner party, finds herself in the firing line, with bullets whistling round her head. Her rescuer asks her to, 'Sit here for a while, memsahib.' He continues, 'Soon be over. Very hot today, don't you think?'

She asks, 'What's going on? Who's shooting?'

He replies, 'Just a small argument between two men. Different tribes, you see. They come from the North - very different thing, not like here. Here we not shoot at each other. But no problem, all will be calm soon. No need to worry at all. Does your husband play cricket?' To which Laycock can only smile weakly and shake her head.

In a way it is unfair to have singled out any particular story, for each in its own style is unique and well worth reading. Roberts has divided her fascinating collection into ten different categories - certainly an interesting and inspiring publication.

Norma Penfold

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.