When the Stones Held
By David E. Owen
Publisher: Independently Published
Print Length: 331 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
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.
Book Rating:
📚📚📚📚📚⭐ = A book in a million
📚📚📚📚📚 = I could not put this book down. I Highly Recommend it.
📚📚📚📚 = A really great read.
📚📚📚 = It was enjoyable.
📚📚 = It was okay.
📚 = Um...! 😕
Review
When the Stones Held
📚📚📚📚📚 = I could not put this book down. I Highly Recommend it.
I knew nothing about William Edwards before reading When the Stones Held, and I wasn't really sure what to expect from a novel about a man famous for building a bridge. I was worried it might come across as a bit dry, a little boring, but how wrong was I?! This is a novel worth reading simply for the characters, and you do not have to know anything about building bridges to thoroughly enjoy it, although I must admit I now know a lot more about bridges than I ever thought I would need to know.
This book is heartbreaking in places. A little boy excitedly goes with his dad to watch the sheep crossing the river as they head to market, but this turns to tragedy when his father drowns. This poor little boy then has to go home to a mother who is utterly devastated, knowing his little life will never be the same again.
For the rest of his life, William is determined to build a bridge across the river so no one else has to needlessly drown. But first, he needs to learn everything he can about stone, and in walks Mr Morgan.
This book is incredibly moving and deals with not only death, but poverty, injustice, politics — especially around the church — bullying and achievement. It is not always an easy read for those reasons, but it is a book that I simply could not put down, and it is definitely one I will remember for a long time afterwards.
If you are looking for thought-provoking historical fiction set in the Welsh valleys that tells the story of a historical figure you may know very little about, then this book really needs to be on your to-read list.
Pick up your copy of When the Stones Held HERE
