After a gap of a few years, I have published the sequel to ‘By the Banks of the Rheidol.’
The story is set ten years hence, where Dafydd has managed to secure a transfer to Aberystwyth as a fireman. Convinced he has moved on from his failed romance with Gwen, he soon finds that lingering feelings still remain.
The world has changed. It is now 1915, and Britain has been at war for a year. A conflict of emotions make Dafydd join the Army. He receives good advice, which opens up a path to the Railway Operating Division, based in Poperinge, near Ypres. Even though he does not face the dread of going ‘over the top’, he still experiences drama in both the standard and narrow gauge operations of war. There are still tragedies amid the camaraderie, that bring scars to even the toughest of men.
Gwen is still there, Gwen will always be there, perhaps… the distance caused by war adds a poignancy to their relationship. Dafydd needs to choose his path forward with care. The capricious nature of the world presents him with more challenges to overcome and resolve.
I haven’t been too communicative about the project, as I first waited for the books to arrive from the printers. This time around, I have gone it alone. This is no reflection on the excellent work that Carolyn Hodges undertook at Y Lolfa on ‘By the Banks’, but I have felt the need to take this path. I have had an excellent print run by Booksfactory, as recommended to me by the ace crime novelist Stephen Done (Inspector Vignoles railway novels).
I would particularly like to single out Gareth Jones for his hard work in producing the artwork from my various witterings and to Deborah Lea for the edit. Ted Foulds attempted to ensure my railway ramblings were operationally correct!
I am busy setting up online outlets for the sale of the book. To start with, the book is available on ebay on the following link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224146343795
As other options arise, I will update the blog with them. I am also working on an e-book option.
Thanks for reading, as always – i hope you enjoy the journey!
Geraint
