Feather.
Written and translated from the Welsh by Manon Steffan Ros.
Firefly Press, 2024.
Originally published in Welsh as Pluen.
Huw always pops in to see his nan on the way home from
school – she bakes him cakes and never fusses about his homework. So it's a
great shock when, one day, Nan forgets his name, and calls him Johnny – the
long-unmentionable name of her late brother. As Nan slowly slips into the grip
of dementia, Huw and his friends go on a quest to learn more about Johnny and
what happened to him. Exploring themes of friendship, family bonds and the
history of conscientious objection in WW2, Feather is both modern and
historical, as well as being relatable, particularly for children who may have
grandparents with a similar dementia struggle to Nan.
Sympathetic and gentle, with moments of strength and
sadness. Huw standing up to his father and asking for some attention is so
brave.
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