Such Sweet Sorrow (Pontypridd)

by Catrin Collier (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1997

  $3.25

  Starting in 1939, this novel follows the vicissitudes of a Welsh community in wartime. The Ronconi family faces internment as enemy aliens, and then comes news that the Allies are retreating and that the Welsh Guards are fighting a rearguard action at Dunkirk. Life will never be the same again.

• Used

  Paperback
  2006

  $3.25

  In Pontypridd, in 1939, blackouts and conscription are beginning to strain the community. And three women are separated - perhaps for ever - from the men they love. Jenny Powell's husband, Eddie, abandoned her on her wedding night, and she must struggle to cope alone. Italian Tina Ronconi's sweetheart enlists, and she and her sister face internment as enemy aliens. And Bethan's doctor husband is called up, leaving her, along with all the women, with endless worry and fear. Forced to adjust to a world at all, all they can do is wait. Then comes news of the Allies' retreat at Dunkirk and, for many, life will never be the same again...

• Used

  Hardcover
  1996

  $9.48

  Pontypridd 1939. War-time austerity, air raids, blackouts and tensions strain family and community loyalties to breaking point. Ignoring his sweetheart Tina Ronconi's pleas, William Powell, along with thousands of others, volunteer for the Welsh Guards. His sister, Diana, discovers that love isn't enough as she is divided from Tony Ronconi by a secret he can never forgive, she is driven by loneliness to confide in Wyn Rees, himself ostracised for his homosexuality. Women like Bethan, Laura, and Alma say goodbye without knowing when, if ever, they'll see their husbands again and Jenny is abandoned after her wedding by a man who refuses to answer her letters. A group of 'conscies' are brought in to work in the pits and young Gina Ronconi falls fervently in love with one. As war fever sets in, so the persecution of 'enemy aliens' begins and even the Ronconis face internment. But the town feeds on rumour and with every bulletin the people become more tight-lipped. Until the news comes that the allies are retreating on every front and the Welsh Guardds are fighting a rearguard action at Dunkirk. Some will return, many will not and even those who do, life will never be quite the same ag