The Covenant

I really enjoyed ‘Time for Silence’ so was keen to read this one too. This is the story of the Owen family from the 1880’s - 1920’s, they farm twenty four acres, one rood and eight perches of land in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Father Thomas indoctrinates God fearing ways into his family and their ethos is to maintain their covenant with God. His chapel brand of faith after a family tragedy becomes harsh, angry and violent which has a devastating impact on the family especially daughter Leah, youngest son Frank and grandson John. We follow their story as Leah desperately tries to keep the covenant, retain the land and stop her brothers deeper descent into a godless life.

I really enjoyed this snapshot of life in a small rural welsh community which portrays a very hard life. It is set in its historical context with references to changes and events in Wales and further afield. It is well written and has a good range of interesting characters from the evil, to the gloomy, the self righteous, those on a road to ruin and some that have hearts of gold. There is a lot of drama and some characters have to make sacrifices to duty which becomes a millstone of dismal hardship and servitude. Leah is the despairing lynchpin of her family but has to bow to her father’s rage and later to the unfair strain of her brothers and nephews actions. The portrayal of the female lot at this time is depicted well as is the strict religious observance of this small community. The end is really good and is very fitting as some characters get exactly what they deserve.

Overall, this is a good piece of historical fiction which I would recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hanno Modern Fiction

The Covenant is a prequel to A Time for Silence which follows Sarah as she investigates her family history after discovering her Grandparents derelict farmhouse in Cwmderwen, Pembrokeshire. The Covenant follows on with the same story and begins with a letter, written to Sarah from a relative in America, giving some insight into their family in West Wales going right back to 1883. The remainder of the book tracks the Owen family’s story from this point in the late 1800’s until about 1922. Their story is one of religion, betrayal, duty and murder – all set against the agricultural backdrop of rural Wales and follows them through a period of unimaginable heartbreak, loss and hardships.

I love reading historical fiction that has a crime/thriller element to it and this book had me hooked right from the start. This had more of a domestic thriller angle but I was so involved with the lives of the characters and spent the whole of the story desperately hoping that Leah would find happiness.

As a Welsh speaker myself, I really appreciate the fact that there were references to the language throughout - a few quotes and bible verses were even written in both Welsh and English. It would be likely that a religious family living in rural West Wales at that time would speak Welsh, so for me this added another layer of authenticity to a very well researched historical novel.

The Covenant is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in Welsh history, historical fiction, or wanting to read an engrossing and surprisingly dark family history.