Review: When The Stones Held by David E. Owen
WHEN THE STONES HELD
When The Stones Held is an unforgettable historical novel inspired by the true story of William Edwards, the self taught Welsh stonemason who built one of the greatest bridges of the eighteenth century.
Born into poverty in the remote valleys of South Wales, William grows up in a world shaped by hard labour, dangerous rivers, and communities struggling to survive. Education is rare. Opportunity is rarer still. Yet from childhood, William becomes fascinated by stone, by balance, and by the dream of building something that will outlive him.
As the coal trade begins transforming Wales and merchants demand safer routes through the valleys, William sets himself an impossible task, to build a bridge across the fierce River Taff where others have failed. Floods destroy his work. Rivals mock him. Powerful men try to break him. Each collapse threatens his reputation, his livelihood, and the people he loves.
Set against the harsh beauty of eighteenth century Wales, When The Stones Held is a story of ambition, resilience, love, grief, and determination. It brings to life the people, language, and struggles of a forgotten world while telling the remarkable true story behind the bridge that gave birth to the town of Pontypridd.
Perfect for readers who enjoy rich historical fiction, Welsh history, and stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.
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Review:
I was drawn to When The Stones Held partly because of the unusual subject area, and partly because I used to live and work in Glamorgan for two years. The southern Welsh valleys have a really fascinating history, sadly often overlooked, and this novel deftly covers the beginnings of the industrial revolution in the area, and how the arrival of commerce and enterprise changed the face of a region.
William Edwards is still a young boy when he loses his father. Raised by his mother, he gets to work at an early age, to help them survive. Repairing stone walls soon leads him to discover a special talent – he has a gift with stonework. With plenty of farms holding sheep, he has plenty to do, and through time, his income rises as locals notice that the walls he builds remain standing.
Taken under the wing by teacher Morgan, he learns the theory behind his practical experiences, and begins to work on increasingly larger projects, including a chapel, where he learns to coordinate other workers. Still in his early 20s, he is tasked with building a bridge across the river Taff. Trade has increased, especially with the openings of new coal mines, and a swift, safe crossing for carts and horses is needed. But only a couple of years later, the bridge collapses during a great flood. Some powerful community members are set against him, yet have no alternative ideas. It takes two more attempts for William to get it right, but the result is changing the face of trade across the Taff, and from the valleys to the bustling cities.
The fictionalised story of 18th-century self-taught Welsh architect, William Edwards, is as compelling as it is educating. Raising sheep has existed in Wales since the Middle Ages, and the industrialisation of the mid-1700s onwards left a clear (and ugly) mark on the valleys.
The novel shows how ordinary people living in a Hundred – a local community of small crofters – were fleeced by their richer members and the English crown alike. Life was harsh, and Owen shows this in painstaking detail. Taxes were raised for English wars, and Welsh boys captured for service in the fleet. Gradually, the Welsh language was replaced by the language of trade – English. For many, it was a huge challenge. The author provides us with a closer look at the social injustice of the day, and the selfish, often ruthless opportunities for those with money.
The characters are all realistic in their individual roles: the men were hard workers, the women no-nonsense, intelligent despite lack of education, and the children had to start early with helping their parents. Disasters could strike at any time, and people were powerless against nature's force.
At times, the novel reads more like a non-fiction history book rather than a novel, but those details provide us with great insights into the world of 18th-century life and its architecture – from stone buildings to metal bridges that began to emerge later that century. A treasure trove for readers who love discovering the real history behind the story.
Edwards was depicted as a calm, rational boy who grew into an intelligent man who usually thought before acting. This is particularly obvious in his building endeavours – be that a stone dyke or a chapel, or several attempts at building a durable bridge. I particularly liked Mary and Elen, sensible girls / women who played major roles in his life.
I also greatly enjoyed the use of Welsh, without any attempt at translation. It felt natural and in place. Diolch!
The Old Bridge (formerly New Bridge) in Pontypridd, south Wales, with the Victoria Bridge behind it.
Varitek, Wikimedia Commons. All rights reserved.
Having read this novel, I'm thrilled that I crossed the Old Bridge in Pontypridd, when I lived in the area. I never thought of its history before, but now I do.
When The Stones Held is fascinating, immersive novel that teaches us about a remote place, in an age of great change. And about an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent, who succeeded in making life better for the many.
Highly recommended.
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Now retired from teaching, I split my time between writing, photography, and trying to get fit (thanks to a stubborn rowing machine). My latest novel, Hate Machine, tackles misogyny and gender radicalisation — not typical thriller territory, but I like a challenge.
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