19 April 2013

A new series on S4C will look at some of our favourite Welsh novels – and its hope that it will promote reading amongst the Channel's viewers.

Six Welsh celebrities will pick their favourite novel on 6 Nofel, and talk about what appeals to them about the book and why others should give it a go.

6 Nofel starts on S4C on Sunday 21 April at 8.30 and first up is sports commentator and Sgorio presenter, Dylan Ebenezer.

Following Dylan the next five flicking through their favourite book will be: Bethesda born actor, John Ogwen; former MP from Carmarthenshire Adam Price; former Wales rugby player originally from Bangor Robin McBryde; Ffion Dafis the presenter and actress also from Bangor; and presenter and adventurer from Swansea, Lowri Morgan.

The authors of some of the novels will also speak during the series and we'll also meet members from Dyffryn Ogwen, Cofi, Carmarthen, Aberystwyth and Pontardawe Reading Groups.

Llion Iwan, Commissioner of Factual Programmes for S4C said:

"Some of the choices are quite unexpected, and it's nice to learn something different about these well-known people through their taste in books.

"Reading is usually something quite personal but the series shows that people really like discussing a book they've enjoyed. I hope that the series will offer viewers something a little different and that they'll soon be heading to their bookshelves, local bookshop or library."

Elwyn Jones, Chief Executive at the Welsh Books Council said:

"The literature works of some of Wales's most renowned writers have been an inspiration for numerous programmes on S4C over the years. It's great to see a new series like 6 Nofel giving the deserved attention to these six popular novels and a chance for some familiar faces to tell us why they love these books so much.

"It'll be an opportunity as well for people to re-read and enjoy these classics all over again, and to be reminded of the breadth of material that's available in Welsh."

Y Lolfa and Gomer Press publishers are certain that copies of these books will be sought after following the broadcast of 6 Nofel and have made sure that there are copies available, either in paperback or as e-books.

Lefi Gruffudd from Y Lolfa Publishers said:

"6 Nofel will provide an opportunity for us to look back at some groundbreaking novels from Wales such as Si Hei Lwli and Cyw haul. We've taken this opportunity to republish the original Cyw Haul with a great foreword by Dewi Prysor. The book and series were an inspiration to a generation and as Dewi says, gave Welsh young a voice…at last here's a novel that says 'rock and roll'!"

Meinir James from Gomer Publishers said:

"It's good to see books get the attention they deserve on S4C. Four of the novels in the series are published by Gomer and we're very proud of that as a publisher. It's a pleasure to work in a partnership such as this one and hopefully the series will inspire the audience to pick up a book."

ENDS

Notes

Details about the novel that appear in the series:

Cyw Haul by Twm Miall. Published by Y Lolfa. Paperback available.

Mis o Fehefin by Eigra Lewis Roberts. Published by Gomer Press. E-book available.

Neb Ond Ni by Manon Rhys. Published by Gomer Press. Paperback and e-book available.

Ffwrneisiau: Cronicl Blynyddoedd Mebyd by Gwenallt. Published by Gomer Press. E-book available.

Cysgod y Cryman by Islwyn Ffowc Elis. Published by Gomer Press. E-book available.

Si Hei Lwli by Angharad Tomos. Published by Y Lolfa. Paperback available.

The above books can be bought at local Welsh bookshops and on gwales.com