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22/03/2007

First English-language novel, Everything Must Change, appears

Grahame Davies's novel Everything Must Change published by Seren Books of Bridgend, will be launched at 7pm on May 18 at The Gate arts centre in Keppoch Street, Roath, Cardiff.

Everything Must Change is a moving and thoughtful first novel about passionately held, radical beliefs and their place in the modern world.

The novel intercuts the story of 20th century French philosopher and activist, Simone Weil, with that of 21st century campaigner Meinwen Jones, adrift in post-devolution Wales.

In an inter-war Europe threatened by fascism, Simone, an idealistic, gifted young Jewish woman, seeks a vocation which will satisfy her passion for justice and her dangerous desire for self-sacrifice.

A world away, Meinwen has sacrificed love, a career and a future to the cause of an ancient culture fighting for survival. In TV studios, political rallies and in prison, she takes Simone as her inspiration in a lonely battle against globalisation. But increasingly old certainties are called into question.

When friends become enemies, and enemies offer friendship, both women question their long-held beliefs, and face choices which will lead to life or death.

‘Philosophically weighty… it reminds me of Jean-Paul Sartre's 1940s trilogy, Les Chemins de la Liberté [Paths of Liberty]. Here… is set out the Welsh post-nationalistic choice. This is the first post-national novel. - Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

‘… a compelling glimpse of a compelling personality [Simone Weil]. The book is pertinent, provocative and thoroughly entertaining. Anybody with an interest in the way culture and identity inform the lives we make could read the book - and find in it rich nourishment. Owen Martell

Everything Must Change was first published in Welsh as Rhaid i Bopeth Newid (2004, Gomer), longlisted for the Welsh Book of the Year 2005. It has been translated and extended by its author, the poet, critic and journalist, Grahame Davies. Davies was winner of the Wales Arts Council's Book of the Year Award, 2002 , with the volume Cadwyni Rhyddid.