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How Green Was My Valley

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939

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Book Brief

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Richard Llewellyn

How Green Was My Valley

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Wales • Turn Of The Century

Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1000L

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Super Short Summary

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn is a historical novel recounting the life of Huw Morgan, a scholarly young man from a working-class Welsh family in a mining town. The story follows Huw's observations and experiences as his family faces strikes, economic hardship, and personal tragedies while grappling with societal changes and environmental degradation in their community. The book includes references to community violence and environmental destruction.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

20,518 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Richard Llewellyn's How Green Was My Valley is lauded for its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of a Welsh mining community. Readers appreciate its deep emotional impact and rich character development. However, some critique the novel's pacing and occasional sentimentality. Overall, it remains a powerful exploration of family and societal change.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How Green Was My Valley?

A reader who enjoys How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn likely appreciates historical fiction with rich, emotional narratives and vivid settings. Fans of works like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith or Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt may find similar resonance in this novel.

4.4

20,518 ratings

81%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Huw Morgan

The narrator and protagonist who recounts his life in a Welsh mining community, depicting the experiences and challenges faced by his family and neighbors. Caught between the past and modernity, he bears witness to significant change in his community.

Huw's father, a steadfast and moral figure in the community, known for his conservative approach to change and his deep sense of integrity and responsibility. He serves as a model of traditional masculinity and morality.

A priest who becomes an influential figure in the Valley and supports the miners during difficult times. His character represents moral guidance and selflessness, providing aid and counsel to the mining community.

Ivor's wife and a key member of the Morgan family, known for her strong bond with Huw. After Ivor's death, she becomes a central figure in showcasing the community's resilience and solidarity.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Wales • Turn Of The Century

Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1000L

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