Thought-provoking interpretations of Welshness from the finest writers at home and abroad.

Dehongliadau o Gymreictod i gosi'r meddwl, gan ysgrifenwyr amlwg o Gymru a thu hwnt.

What makes you feel Welsh? Is it the ability to speak Welsh, a pride in the heritage or having a Welsh parent? Being Welsh means different things to different people. This collection of poetry and short stories aimed at teenagers offers different interpretations of Welshness designed to stimulate debate and discussion.

Contributors include such well-known poets and authors as Gillian Clarke, Gwyneth Lewis, Mike Jenkins and Mary Oldham. They offer a view of Wales as it is today reflecting the diverse communities throughout the land. If the book has a message for today’s young people, it is that Wales should be an outward looking nation, and not defined by a narrow concept of what being Welsh means. Is Cassandra in Catherine Johnson’s story any less Welsh because she is black?

Although aimed at getting young people to explore their ideas of Welshness, there is something in this book for all ages. It certainly had me thinking about what makes me Welsh! The emotional connection that Joel’s mum in Mike Jenkins’s story feels for the village of Aberfan, where her young brother is buried, is one I can understand. That connection and sense of belonging is what makes me feel Welsh.

Margaret Griffiths

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment 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 ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.