A RAY OF DARKNESS: In Review

I first came across Margiad Evans when embarking on the publishing campaign for Autobiography. Like myself, Margiad adopted Wales as her homeland, even making her name more Welsh. Her connection to the countryside on the Welsh borders is a constant theme throughout her memoirs and the four of her books published by Honno celebrate nature writing with brutal and brilliant realism.

A Ray of Darkness is rooted from Margiad’s exploration of her tragic terminal illness (most likely a brain tumour) that would eventually claim her. Margiad was a sufferer of epilepsy which greatly impacted and sadly shortened her life and we experience this through her words. Her awareness of her illness is starkly balanced with her appreciation with the natural world around her, creating text that is both beautiful and tragic.

This is a brave book that, at times, is hard to read. Incredible writing makes it impossible not to think and feel deeply about each passing sentence but with it comes a sense of overwhelming sadness. It is emotionally challenging but leaves the reader feeling richer because of it. A delicate balance but one Margiad Evans has mastered.


Lynzie Fitzpatrick – November 2024


[Lynzie Fitzpatrick, Honno’s Business Manager, is one of the team embarking on the Classics Reading Challenge this year. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more updates and reviews of our Welsh Women’s Classics]