Very few books have the Tolkienesque ability to transport you into an urgent and present magical moment, but storyteller Michael Harvey’s debut novel Pig Boy definitely does. Retelling the story of Culhwch and Olwen – the longest tale in the Mabinogi and one of the earliest Arthurian legends – Harvey offers a new way to Welsh mythology to young adult readers.
A unique voice in writing, Harvey’s oral storytelling comes through in his prose, making vast feasts, magical acts and enormous giants come alive as you read. He’s able to make moments urgent without telling you they’re urgent, and allow the reader to feel as if they too are taking part in an epic quest.
Not all things need explaining and great levels of detail in an oral retelling – this is also the approach Harvey takes in the novel, and it may be a little different than some readers are used to. Once you learn to accept and enjoy, however, this ceases to be a problem. Imbued with magic and folklore, Pig Boy is a welcome addition to the Welsh literary canon and offers something we very much need in Wales: a way to have fun with our history and heritage. Reviewed by Hari Berrow
Betareader Reviews
“Magical, life-changing adventure full of deep learning and memorable characters told by a master storyteller.”
“I was hooked from the beginning – a fast moving panorama of fantasy, honour, legend and a determination to win one’s birth right.”
“Pig Boy’s story challenges and empowers you. Be brave, read it.”
The photo below is of Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island, which I took from the Llŷn Peninsula. It claims to be the final resting place of King Arthur as well as an important pilgrimage site.
Currently available direct from the publishers Cinnamon Press or Waterstones, Amazon UK & US and don’t forget your local bookshop!
“Brilliantly evocative, marrying the two worlds of the mythical and historical past into a single realm that is present in every word.”
“The magic of Wales will be alive forever as long as storytellers like Michael Harvey show us the wonders of our heritage and write them down for us and our children.”
“One can literally see the heroes and their actions in the mind’s eye! Yet it is written in a language easy to read and to follow.”
“Your research of all things is pitch perfect and I was captivated, enthralled and gripped by the pace and rhythm of the story . The descriptions of nature and animals sang out as did your weaving of all the stories together.”
“The lanky lad, who looked like he’d been made form a pile of random, cast-off bits and pieces, rode out of the stable gleaming like a young god on horseback.”
Pig Boy, Chapter 1
“Masterpiece” Dafydd Davies-Hughes
