A little too faux Welsh. - Rated 
Bought this as a read whilst away from home on business..As described by others really, a couple of things jumped out as me as "not quite right". The misspelling of Welsh words and the usage of Welsh has a definite South Wales ring to it. I've never met anyone called Bronwyn for instance, plenty of Bronwens though ! I was half expecting a "look you, whatever" that English writers are convinced is a regular phrase in use amongst us Welsh.
There was mention of "gas" in the quarry caverns - not an expert but I don't think so.
To be honest I found it a very "slow" book and most definitely not a page turner.
It won't make me run out and buy another book by this author, and I suppose that is the acid test.
I liked the nationalist themes, strange that there was no mention of Penyberth (where 3 nationalists set fire to a bombing school on the Llyn a scant few years earlier) - this is an iconic incident in the history of Welsh Nationalism and still very much part of out history now.
North Wales and WW2 - Rated 
This is the first novel by P. Ho Davies I have read, it won't be the last. He brings Penygroes and the Nantlle valley to life. We are all part of small insular communities in life. Existence can be boring, tedious and life beyond can look better. Ethel's experiences as she reaches maturity, are life changing and not always good. Her relationsip with Karsten is interesting if short lived. My only criticism involves the occasional anachronisms. A worthy Mann-Booker long list addition
Nothing special but certainly not bad - Rated
This is a well- written and easy to read book but it certainly did not captivate me. I felt the despair of both main characters deeply. The writer is obviously very skilled to have achieved this to such an extent. There are also shades of hope. However, the story is not very engaging and I found myself confused about the Rotherham/Karsten connection; perhaps my mind was wandering at the pertinent part but, with a gripping book, this wouldn't happen. There was an interesting exploration of nationalism and the juxtaposition of Nazism with 'innocent' nationalism was certainly thought-provoking. I'm glad I read this book but I certainly wouldn't rave about it. I can't complain about the writing but I prefer a more engaging plot. No doubt, it will become a bestseller due to the Richard and Judy influence. Their choices are indeed eclectic and amongst them are some of my favourite and least favourite reads. The Welsh Girl is neither.
A truly special read - Rated
A while back I came across a short story from a new writer called The Ugliest House in the World. Set in a small Welsh town, the story was simple, clear, and incredibly moving; I've never forgotten it and I have often wondered if he wrote anything else. Just recently, I read a review of a debut novel by the same author, Peter Ho Davies. Delicate, lyrical, and quiet, the novel slowly opens up and pulls you in. Set in the wanning days of World War II, the story centers around the titular Ethel Evans, a young barmaid who helps her aging father and his flock of sheep, a German P.O.W. named Karsten, and a town of nationalistic Welsh miners, young English evacuees, and a whole community that while on the periphary of war are no doubt touched by it!! I'd also like to recommend Tino Georgiou's 'The Fates' for another wonderful read
A gentle story which beautifully unfolds for the reader - Rated
I have just finished this book, and find myself still thinking about the characters, especially Karsten! Beautifully written, I felt myself slowly but surely drawn in to the story. I felt such empathy with the main characters, especially Esther. A fabulous read...I look forward to the next novel from this author!
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