Faber & Faber

Many cities have run successful 'One City One Book' events, encouraging people from all walks of life to discuss the same book over the same week or month. Last September, Resistance by Owen Sheers  became the very first 'Book for Wales' and the centrepiece of a unique cultural event, encouraging a whole nation of readers to enjoy the same book.

The Book

Resistance by Owen Sheers is a beautifully imagined and emotionally intense novel set in a World War II where Britain has been invaded. It is 1944 and the women of a small Welsh farming community wake one morning to find that their husbands have gone. Soon after that a German patrol arrives in their valley.

Download the reading guide here.

The Event

'A Book for Wales' was supported by Academi (the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society for Authors), local libraries and bookshops across Wales.

Working with the Reader Development Librarians in Wales, we supplied free copies of Resistance to 22 library authorities for their reading groups. Owen took part in four large regional events covering different areas in Wales. Those events were in Llangollen Library, Wrexham, The Priory Centre, Abergavenny, Canton Library, Cardiff and Carmarthen Library, Carmarthen. Copies of the book were also sent to the Welsh Assembly.

A blog (linking to the Welsh libraries and Academi) featured all aspects of the campaign including a reading guide and competition. 

A word from Bethan Hughes, Head of Reader Development:

One of the best events we’ve ever had. Having the whole of the Estyn Allan network to help promote it was key as we had people from over 40 miles away attending on a very stormy day. The majority were reading group members who’d already read the book - the level of the questions showed that! The long lead in to the event meant we’d built up a body of readers to attend.

Owen was superb - articulate, humorous and generous in his talk and answers.

Working in partnership with Faber was great and I’d certainly do it again.'

What the readers thought:

'Pure pleasure.'

'A real insight into the creative process.'

'It's made me look at the book in a very different way - thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.'

'Brilliant!'

'Good to see the man behind the book and hear his side of the story.'

'An excellent choice of author - very engaging and [had] a good rapport with the audience.'

'Fascinating - I'm inspired to read more.'

'I learned a lot about an author whom I must read.'

'Well worth the journey - stimulating, entertaining and a pleasure.'

'Never read Owen Sheers so now have a good reason to do so. What a knowledgeable and interesting person.'

'The staff created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.'

'This was special - thanks!'