Waterstones show some love for book
ONE of the UK’s biggest bookshops is featuring a Welsh language book as its book of the month for the first time ever.
Cariad pur? (Pure love?), published by Caernarfon based publishers, Gwasg y Bwthyn, is being lauded by Waterstones all throughout January.
The collection of short stories based around the theme of true love will be heavily promoted at the company’s eight stores in Wales throughout January and coincides with Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen’s Day).
The Welsh saint of love, considered to be the Welsh equivalent to Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on January 25 every year.
The book has also been chosen to be Welsh Books Council’s Book of the Month.
Marred Glynn Jones, Creative Editor at Gwasg y Bwthyn, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Cariad pur? has been chosen to be Waterstones Book of the Month.
“It’s especially apt that it has been chosen for the month of January as January 25 is the special day of the Welsh patron saint of love, St Dwynwen.
“The short stories are varied and delve into different aspects of love. One story, for example, deals with love for a place.
“We’re very glad to have the support of Waterstones and we’re also appreciative of the support we receive from the Welsh Books Council and independent book shops all over the country. Cariad pur? has also been chosen as the Welsh Books Council’s Book of the Month for January so it’s a double celebration for us.
spokesman for Waterstones added: “It’s our pleasure to present our first Welsh language book of the month, showcasing the talent and beauty inher- ent in the Welsh mother tongue.
“In a celebration of love, spanning time, place and people, Cariad pur?(Pure Love?) is a perfect way to celebrate that emotion, and indeed is a perfect way to celebrate Welsh writing talent in the lead up to St. Dwynwen’s Day, which celebrates the Welsh patron saint of love.”
A number of authors have contributed to the book. Among them Llio Mai Hughes and Marlyn Samuel from Anglesey; Bethan Gwanas from Dolgellau; Guto Dafydd from Pwllheli and John Gruffydd Jones from Abergele. Arwel Jones, Welsh Grants Officer at the Welsh Books Council, said: “The Welsh language book scene is vibrant, confident and varied and offers readers a stimulating reading experience.
“We look forward to seeing more Welsh language books being chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in the future.”
Cariad pur? is published by Gwasg y Bwthyn, £7.95
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