My Neighbors Stories of the Welsh People   By: Caradoc Evans (1878-1945)

Caradoc Evans paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of Welsh society in his collection of short stories, My Neighbors Stories of the Welsh People. With a sharp and incisive pen, Evans delves into the darker corners of human nature, exposing the hypocrisy, cruelty, and religious fervor that lie beneath the surface of his characters.

Throughout the book, Evans explores themes of morality, faith, and the complexities of human relationships. His stories are populated by a diverse cast of characters, each wrestling with their own demons and haunted by the weight of their past.

What sets Evans' work apart is his ability to capture the essence of Welsh culture and its deep-rooted traditions. By drawing on Welsh folklore and superstitions, he weaves a tapestry that intertwines the mythical with the everyday. This infusion of folklore adds an extra layer of depth to the narratives, making them both haunting and enchanting in equal measure.

However, it is important to note that Evans does not shy away from portraying the less savory aspects of Welsh society. His stories are marked by a bleak and unflinching realism, where poverty, bigotry, and hypocrisy abound. Evans exposes the darker underbelly of the tightly-knit communities, revealing the harsh realities that often lie hidden beneath the surface.

While some readers may find the overall tone of the book deeply unsettling, there is an undeniable power in Evans' writing. His prose is raw and evocative, drawing the reader in and immersing them in a world that is both familiar and unfamiliar. With an acute understanding of human nature, Evans creates characters who are flawed, complex, and ultimately relatable.

My Neighbors Stories of the Welsh People is a challenging and thought-provoking collection of stories which delves into the heart of Welsh society. Caradoc Evans' unflinching exploration of human nature, steeped in the folklore and traditions of his homeland, ensures that this book will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

First Page:

Our God is a big man: a tall man much higher than the highest chapel in Wales and broader than the broadest chapel. For the promised day that He comes to deliver us a sermon we shall have made a hole in the roof and taken down a wall... Continue reading book >>