An original and gripping novel for young teens by one of Wales’ most popular authors. It relates the story of Yvonne who begins at Eldra’s school. Although both girls are very different, there are similarities between them, and the truth about their situation will change their lives. Reprint. First Published in 2019.
Children’s Books (Novels and Short Stories)
Novels and Stories For Young Adults
Gwennol is a novel aimed at young people in their early teens. The blurb on the back says that it’s a gripping novel, and this was certainly the case – I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting if I recall!
This is a story about two 13-year-old girls, Eldra and Yvonne. Eldra’s day at school goes from bad to worse. Yes, she has a PE lesson, but that is by no means the worst part of the day. As she sits alone in the classroom after the Welsh lesson, the tears begin to flow until Yvonne emerges. This is Yvonne’s first day at her new school, and she’s not having a very good day either. Eldra isn’t too sure of the new girl at first -she’s just like Mandy Price, full of confidence and tells her what to do. Eldra is a bit scared of her to be honest. During the day’s last lesson, Yvonne begins to understand what has happened to Eldra. Although she has only just met her, something tells Yvonne that she should help her. Before that, as she has an outburst in the middle of the French lesson, the class and Miss Meredydd come to understand more about Yvonne as well.
Eldra is starting to change her mind about the new girl. She’s not like Mandy. Eldra feels at ease and safe in Yvonne’s company. The two become friends, and after a PE lesson, Yvonne notices the swallow-shaped blue birthmark on Eldra’s ankle, and this is the beginning of an extraordinary story that unravels as the girls discover more about each other.
This is a story that touches on some of the difficulties of school and growing up as well as grief, loss and adoption as well. It is a story of friendship and a story of belonging. I would definitely recommend this novel for any teenager in their early teens, although it may be more appealing to girls. It reads easily and the text is appropriate for the reading age – enough to expand vocabulary without being too challenging in my opinion. I would have liked to hear more about Myfanwy McBryde, but that would be another novel in itself. I also loved the interesting facts that have been included at the end of the novel that add to our understanding of some of the elements of the story.
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