Faster Than the Swords

It has been said that looking at our history is an excellent way of helping us understand the future. Over recent years, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch have published a comprehensive array of novels for children and young adults introducing readers to a wealth of stories from Welsh history. Faster than the Sword, and adaptation of a novel by renowned Welsh poet Myrddin ap Dafydd, is another colourful addition to this series, on this occasion taking us back to the middle of the 19th century, to the time of the infamous Rebecca Riots.



On opening the front cover of this novel, there is no doubt whatsoever that this is a historical novel aimed at entertaining with a gripping story, as well as making readers aware of the actual history which is the background to the described events. There are maps, explanations of events, background information, contextual passages – all aimed at presenting the full historical picture and ensuring that readers can be as informed as they wish about the the Rebecca Riots. As regards the actual story of the novel, there is also a fairly comprehensive list of characters for reference, although of course, the novel itself is completely stand alone and could be read without the aid of any of these extra elements.



So to the story. The novel itself is based around the Llangadog area of Carmarthenshire and the Rees family of Tafarn y Wawr inn, in particular fifteen-year-old twins Elin and Gwyndaf, as well as the wider community. From the very beginning, we are presented with a sense of unease and rebellion, with local people facing hardship and difficulties as a result of seemingly unjust laws, the threat of the workhouse, the theft of common land, and of course the menacing, sworded Dragoon Guards sent to keep the peace and ensure that any rebellion amongst the common people is stamped out.



Innocently enough, Elin and Gwyndaf Rees soon find themselves in the middle of an uprising against the authorities. Amidst an air of cloak and dagger secrecy, suspicion and whisperings, they soon turn to the local gypsies, the Lee family, who are able to offer practical advice and assistance in putting things into perspective. After all, making sense of seeing local farmers, blacksmiths and labourers dressing up as women in the dead of night and causing such destruction throughout west Wales must have been quite a challenge.



Elin herself becomes quite a heroine of the uprising, not least by acting as a running messenger carrying news of the latest plans to destroy toll gates on behalf of the leaders of the Rebecca Riots. Their cunning and clever reasoning in outwitting the Dragoon Guards is quite astounding, at a time when there seemed to by spies everywhere and it was very difficult to decipher between friends and foes. Newspaper reporter Thomas Foster has an interesting part to play in the unfolding events and acts as a sympathiser of the Rebecca cause, using his influence to spread the word about the battles and the bravery of the rebels.



This really is a well-written, quite thrilling and interesting novel and certainly well worth a read, even for those who are well versed in the history of the Rebecca Riots. There is definitely an air of David taking on Goliath in the novel, which is always something to be relished. With the increased emphasis on presenting Welsh history in schools under the new Curriculum for Wales too, this novel is certainly a valuable asset for any reader. ~Sioned Lleinau @ www.gwales.com