A PRESTATYN author’s debut Welsh language novel has been named the Welsh Book Council’s September Book of the Month.

Despite being published only a month ago, Rebecca Roberts’ novel Mudferwi has already earned a place in the best-sellers chart as the fifth most popular Welsh book for adults sold in August.

The novel – which means ‘Simmering’ in English – will launch at Prestatyn Library on Wednesday, September 25 at 6.30pm.

Rhyl Journal:

Roberts' debut Welsh language novel Mudferwi launches on September 25

Ms Roberts said: “Mudferwi has already surpassed my expectations. Being chosen as Book of the Month for September is amazing, but what has made me really happy is receiving messages from people who say how much they’ve enjoyed the story.”

Set in an imaginary village in north Denbighshire - making it one of a very few Welsh language novels set in North East Wales – Mudferwi details the trials and tribulations of a young female chef trying to deal with unwanted attention after participating in a reality TV cookery show.

Ms Roberts, a former pupil of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, studied creative writing at Bangor University. She lives in Prestatyn with her husband and two children, and as well as writing she also works as a translator and humanist celebrant – a person who performs secular services.

For the novel, the author also had award-winning author Manon Steffan Ros as a mentor.

Ms Roberts added: “It took five years from first draft to print, but it has been worth every second of the hard work. There were times when I seriously considered giving up trying to get published altogether, but I’m so glad I persevered.

“The response to Mudferwi has convinced me I need to keep writing – a sequel may be in the works.”

Rebecca is currently working on her second novel for young people in Welsh, #Helynt, which will be in the shops next year. Her debut English novel, Eat. Sleep. Rage. Repeat. will be published by Gwasg Gomer in April 2020.

A second evening with the author a will take place at The Hoptimist, Rhuddlan on Thursday, October 17 at 7pm. To reserve a place call 01745 812822.

Mudferwi is on sale in bookshops throughout Wales, priced at £7.99 and via carreg.gwalch.cymru.