Return to Hendre Ddu

Return to Hendre Ddu is a tumultuous sequel to Sian James’ classic novel A Small Country. Once again Sian James’ talent for character and dialogue weaves an intriguing tale of early twentieth century family life in rural Wales. Though Hendre Ddu, the home farm of the Evans family of Carmarthenshire, looks peaceful, it is the middle of the First World war and lives have been shattered here too. A Small Country ended with Catrin Evans’ sweetheart, Edward, killed in action and now the son of the farm, Tom Evans, returns from the front disabled. The shock is too much for their stalwart housekeeper Nano Rees. But life goes on and Tom and his father Josi, with his new wife Lowri, have their own battle to fight just keeping the farmhouse afloat. At first all seems to be going well, but increasingly tangled romances and financial realities bring heartache and new challenges for the troubled Evans family.