Peter Griffiths is the author of 'Tongue Tied' , a novel set in Bala and South Wales in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which has proved enormously popular with Welsh American readers and is currently being reprinted by Y Lolfa. The book can be ordered direct fom their website:- 'Tongue Tied'
"Tongue Tied allows us to witness Welsh family life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, from the perspective of the farm and the coal pit, as we follow the lives and struggles of the Evans and Jones families. This is a powerful story that explores relationships, religion, language and identity - and how all these things can , ultimately, tear families apart."
Americymru met and spoke with Peter about the book during a recent reading at the Clearing Cafe in Portland , Oregon.
Americymru: Care to tell our readers a little about your background? We understand from the line-notes to 'Tongue-Tied' that you divide your time between Denver, Colorado and Llanelli. How did that come to be?
Peter: I was born and bred in Cynheidre near Llanelli, schooled at Five Roads Primary, honed at Llandovery College, and finished off at Lincoln College, Oxford! My actuarial training funnelled me into the investment business, and eventually, a move to the States in 1972. Yvonne, my wife, is from Bala, and that's to where we gravitated when, in 1994, we began spending up to six months a year in Wales, supporting our families. Later, Swansea, gateway to Gower, became our base.
Americymru: How did you come to write 'Tongue-Tied'?
Peter: I self published an action novel, set in Denver, in 2000. Soon after, while driving from Heathrow to Bala, snaking up the Berwyn from Llangynnog, the beauty and grandeur of the Welsh countryside, for some reason, made a bigger impression than usual. During the ensuing wash of patriotism, I determined to set my next novel in Wales; it would glorify the country, the people, and their language; corny perhaps, but true.
Americymru: 'Tongue-Tied' has enjoyed considerable success running to a second reprint in less than nine months. Do you have any plans for a second book?
Peter: Tongue Tied was self published in 2004, set aside for a year or more, reorganized in 2006/2007, expertly edited for Y Lolfa by Elin Lewis in 2008, and published in time for St David's Day, 2009. In the meantime, I had been laying the groundwork for another novel, again set in Wales, but this time, not about Wales. Already, over a hundred pages have been penned, but since Tongue Tied's publication, I've been committed to its promotion. My plan is to return to my new novel early in 2010.
Americymru: The book is set in both North and South Wales and much is made of the language divide between the two societies. How serious a problem do you think this is for modern Wales and what might be done to overcome it?
Peter: The massive migration into SE Wales, first from the rest of Wales and then from outside the country, set up a society and culture which was at odds with the rural, non-conformist driven, Welsh-speaking one which previously had prevailed. So, whatever divide existed, had not sprung from the language alone. In support of Tongue Tied's plot, I chose to focus on the language, and in particular, two issues related to it; first, the fear among many non-Welsh speakers that in an independent Wales, Welsh speakers would hold the upper hand; and second, the feeling among many Welsh speakers that South Walians had given up their mother tongue rather too readily. Tongue Tied may have exaggerated these feelings, and certainly these days, they are nowhere near as potent. As you know, it's now chic to be Welsh speaking, and non-Welsh speaking parents encourage their children to learn the language.
Americymru: The novel is partly set in Tryweryn which was flooded to make a reservoir in 1965. Is there any political significance in this choice of setting?
Peter: Tongue Tied was conceived in 2000/2001. My notes are lost and by now, I'm unclear on the various stages of the novel's development. It made sense to me, however, that the North Walian action should be set near Bala, and for sure, Arenig Fawr featured from the start. Tryweryn and Capel Celyn nestle in the mountain's shadow, so it seemed natural that they should feature as well. Looking back, I am somewhat surprised that Tryweryn's symbolism did not deter me from setting Tongue Tied in the valley. By now, however, it seems to me that the more who are aware of Capel Celyn and its community, the better. Tongue Tied does not deal with the politics of Tryweryn, but its significance is recognized in Author's notes.
Americymru: Did you have a particular audience that you hoped for the book? Is there anything in particular you'd like people to take away from reading it?
Peter: To a large degree, Tongue Tied was aimed at my circle of acquaintances in the States who go ga-ga over anything Scottish or Irish, but rarely if it's Welsh. Feedback has been encouraging; for example, one well read critic commented that while she read Tongue Tied, she felt as if she was on holiday in Wales. Several others, after reading Tongue Tied, have assured me that they just have to visit the land of my fathers.
Americymru: What do you see as the central message of the book? Does it have a moral?
Peter: Originally, one of my objectives was to highlight the relentless interference in Welsh affairs by the English. Gradually, the anti English slant was watered down, but it comes through, nevertheless. Also, Tongue Tied focusses on the unifying effect the Welsh language has had on the nation over time, but observes with sadness that at times over the last one hundred and fifty years, it's also been divisive. Finally, despite Tongue Tied's several unreasonable characters, the novel overall espouses toleration and sensitivity to others.
Americymru: You've lived in the USA and Wales, how well do you think Wales is represented in North America? Do you have any opinion on whether or how it could be better represented?
Peter: I don't have an opinion as to how well Wales is represented in North America. Clearly, the weight of numbers favor the Irish and Scottish, but I've been impressed by the enthusiasm shown at Welsh gatherings, including the recent Gymanfa Ganu in Pittsburgh.
Americymru: What do you feel the two countries' cultures have to offer each other? How are they different?
Peter: What can one say about the two cultures? Leave well alone, I say. There's no doubt I feel completely different when I'm in Swansea. I love being by the sea, and Denver couldn't be further from it. Swansea is still a bit of a frontier town...certainly when compared to Cardiff...and all of life is there, whereas in Denver we live a more socially sheltered life. As you know, nothing is bought in the States. Everything is sold, and Wales isn't quite at that point yet; I find that refreshing. One thing the two countries have in common is that they were both English colonies; unfortunately, one of them still is.
Americymru: Do you have any plans for reading or speaking tours or public engagements that we should be aware of?
Peter: Since Tongue Tied was published just before March 1st of this year, I've devoted all my energies to its cause. That will change in the new year as I return to my new novel. We are committed over the next several months to many book clubs who will read Tongue Tied, and who knows, something may surprise us on another front, but no longer will I be breathing Tongue Tied day and night.
Americymru: Any final message for the readers and members of Americymru?
Peter: In conclusion, I'd like to comment on Tongue Tied's style. It is heavily influenced by Cynghanedd, that ancient and very strict Welsh poetic form, which is based on alliteration, internal rhyme, and correspondence of consonants. Consequently, Tongue Tied abounds in alliterations and poetry within prose. For example, " Sadness and silence are sisters, and so for a while all was quiet, but for the distant bleating of mother and child, stonechats and pipits and hawks in the wild, and the restrained sipping of tea."
Arenig Fawr in North Wales, close to which much of the action in the novel is set.
