The Awakening

A classic of 20th-century Welsh literature is given a contemporary treatment in this new translation of "Y Byw sy''n Cysgu." Set in a tight-knit Welsh-speaking community at a time when separation, adultery, and divorce carried huge social stigmas, this novel is full of insight into human character and changing social mores, reflecting the influences of Chekhov and Maupassant on the author''s response to the erosion of youth''s certainties.

A new translation of a classic novel by the major author of twentieth century Welsh literature.

The happy family life of Lora Ffennig is shattered when her husband abruptly and unexpectedly leaves her for a colleague. The world she has taken for granted is suddenly unfamiliar, and Lora must find a new compass to guide her and her children. Set in a tight-knit Welsh-speaking community at a time when separation, adultery and divorce carried huge social stigma, The Awakening is a novel full of insight into human character and changing social mores.

Intriguingly it sees Roberts in the middle of a fifty year writing career, responding to the erosion of the certainties of her early life through the influences of Chekhov and Maupassant.

"Sian James''s translation is incisive and eloquent"
Planet

Kate Roberts (1891-1985) was the dominant figure of Welsh-language literature in the twentieth century. Her novel Feet in Chains (1936) and stories Tea in the Heather (1959) are also available in translation from Seren.

Siân James is the popular and prize-winning author of nine novels and a collection of stories in the English language.