White Ravens by Owen Sheers

White Ravens

Owen Sheers

Based on the medieval Welsh manuscript (the Mabinogion) of Branwen, this novella links two short tales, one set in 21st century Wales, the other in 1940's Wales and Ireland. The stories are straightforward and the message is clear: build bridges with your enemy. A word of warning: there are scenes of animal torture; but strong characterisation and poetic description of farming life really do illuminate the medieval myth and bring it alive.

Extract
Looking back now I can see we lost a lot more than just those sheep that day. Something else got burnt in that fire; something shrivelled up on itself, curled up and blackened to a crisp, and whatever it was, it lay deep in the hearts of my brothers.
Parallels
  • The Ninth Wave by Russell Celyn Jones
  • The Mabinogion - a medieval manuscript by -