Known for its rolling hills, ancient castles, and the lilting music of the Welsh language, Wales has a literary tradition that dates back centuries. From the Rhondda valley in south Wales to Tenby Castle Beach in west Wales, the country is filled with stunning sites and rich cultural history, making it easy to see where some of the greatest mediaeval European poets took inspiration from.
Today, Welsh authors continue to build on the legacy of their ancestors of poets and writers, from Dylan Thomas to Roald Dahl. Aside from the big names we all know, here are some of the must-read authors you might not have heard of yet but will make great additions to any reading list.
5 Must Read Welsh Writers
Whether you’re new to Welsh literature or a seasoned reader, these five writers are essential additions to your bookshelf.
1. Emily Stone
Welsh author Emily Stone has three books under her belt, her newest book One Last Gift: A Novel is set to release in October 2024. The story follows Cassie, who, after losing both her parents and then her brother Tom, embarks on a poignant Christmas scavenger hunt that he designed for her before his passing. As Cassie follows Tom’s clues, she travels from London to the Welsh mountains to the French countryside, reconnecting with old friends and rekindling a lost love. Through this journey, she rediscovers herself and learns to embrace the unexpected gifts life has to offer.
Emily’s books are a must-read for anyone who loves heartfelt, emotionally charged stories.
Love this genre? Check out more Women’s Fiction & Literature from our collection!
2. E. M. Duffield-Fuller
E.M. Duffield-Fuller’s novels are known for their intricate plots, richly imagined worlds, and complex characters. In Felgrim: Book One of the Darkwatch Trilogy, she introduces readers to the kingdom of Hollowick, a land beset by both physical and supernatural threats. As young King Davon struggles to defend his realm from undead rebels and a sinister demon, the story’s heroine, Marla Black, emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Ambitious and skilled, Marla embarks on a mission that challenges not only her abilities but also her loyalties and beliefs.
Outside of her novels, E.M. also writes short stories and anthologies that showcase her versatile storytelling. When she’s not crafting fantastical adventures or raising her sons, she’s deeply immersed in her PhD research on Victorian Literature.
3. Rhys Hughes
Rhys Hughes is a distinctive voice in the world of Fantastika and speculative fiction, known for his unique blend of humour, irony, and profound imagination.
The Postmodern Mariner is a book of adventures, exaggerations, absurdities, and the “occasional metafictional trick”. From pirates to mythological beings, and even giant cups of tea, Hughes creates a world where the boundaries of reality and fiction blur in the most delightful ways. For readers who appreciate literature that challenges conventions and plays with the absurd, Rhys Hughes offers a truly unique journey through his books.
Ready to uncover more magical and adventurous stories? Explore more Fantasy authors from our collection!
4. Lynette Rees
Lynette Rees is a Welsh author who works in various genres including crime fiction and contemporary romance, but her most popular books are those in the historical fiction genre.
Whether she’s delving into the harsh realities of workhouse life or exploring the nuances of personal relationships, Lynette writes with a depth of feeling that makes her stories unforgettable.
One of her latest works, The Winter Waif, tells the poignant story of a young girl’s struggle to overcome adversity following the death of her mother. Published by Boldwood Books in January 2024, this novel is the first in a series set in the bustling Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, a place where ironworks and coal pits dominate the landscape, and hardship is a way of life.
5. Rosie Thomas
Rosie Thomas is an author renowned for her critically acclaimed, bestselling novels that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the sweeping landscapes of history.
Her book, All My Sins Remembered is a sweeping saga set against the tumultuous backdrop of two world wars. The novel follows the lives of cousins Clio Hirsh and Grace Stretton, who were born within hours of each other and raised as sisters in the innocent days before the Great War. As they grow up, Grace becomes the charismatic and enchanting one, while Clio, shy and quiet, fades into the background. The novel explores the different paths their lives take—Grace into the secure world of marriage and Clio into the literary circles of Paris and Berlin—while beneath their friendship, jealousy and bitterness quietly simmer.
Decades later, Clio reflects on her life and the lives of her family to her biographer, revealing the intricacies of their relationships, their careers, and the secrets that have shaped their destinies. As Clio unravels the story of her family, she also reveals the surprising truth about her mesmerising cousin Grace, offering a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and the lasting impact of war.
Read More Welsh Writers!
Whether you’re drawn to contemporary romance, historical fiction, or speculative fantasy, Welsh writers provide something for everyone.Explore more must-read authors from across Britain! Read our guide to Exploring Scottish Authors: A Dive into Scotland’s Literature or Authors from Northern Ireland You Should Know About!