Title: Dat's Love and Other Stories
(Also published as 'Selected Stories)
Author: Leonora Brito
Genres: Anthology, Short Stories, Contemporary(-ish,) Historical
Fiction
The Verdict:
I loved this collection.
This is snapshots of life, primarily set in Cardiff's
Docklands, and within the city's Black community.
It's also Black Cardiffian #OwnVoices.
Just as a reminder:
I don't live in the city, and I'm White. So that's my
perspective.
I am, however, familiar both with Cardiff, and with Wales in general 😉
I am, however, familiar both with Cardiff, and with Wales in general 😉
What did I love most about this anthology?
It's both the Wales I know and love and the Wales I'm not really a part
of at the same time.
There's something epically awesome about reading
'effing' and 'poor dab' as part of everyday
conversation!
Like, YES! That's my home! 😊
Like, YES! That's my home! 😊
The stories that are set in Wales - the majority of the collection - are
so Welsh it's amazing.
I've met these people, y'know?
They're not stereotypes, but I can picture people like this - who talk like this and act like this.
I love it.
I also loved the little touch in the last story of
Black Idris and White Idris on the same basketball
team!
Idris is a name found in both
Welsh, and Arabic and African, cultures -
completely different meanings which somehow culminate in
the same sounds and spelling.
It brought the 'same but different' theme together
nicely.
Occasionally, I found the prose a little
over-descriptive.
That's personal, I know, but other people may find the same.
That's personal, I know, but other people may find the same.
And, as with all short story collections,
some shine more than others. I think this is more hits
than misses though!
Content Warnings:
Be aware of the following:
- racism
- colourism
- poverty
- domestic violence
- cancer
- alcohol abuse
- family issues
- grief
- grief
...I think that's everything, but as always, I may have forgotten
something, so be careful!
Have you read any books by Welsh authors?
Do you like to read about the country/culture you come from?
Talk to me! ❤💬
Talk to me! ❤💬
Related Reading:
Please comment and share! 😀
Last updated: 14th July 2025
This sounds like a good read! The only book by a Welsh author that I’ve read before is Enid Blyton. I used to love her children’s books.
ReplyDeleteSorry to burst your bubble Em, but Enid Blyton's English! I'll forgive you ;) but you should totally check out some Welsh authors! :) <3
DeleteOk... I totally thought that Enid Blyton was Welsh this whole time!! *slaps forehead* Totally my bad, looks like I do need to brush up on my Welsh authors XD.
DeleteHa, no worries! Diana Wynne Jones was Anglo-Welsh (*actually* Anglo-Welsh, she was born in England but her parents were Welsh) if you fancy some MG/YA fantasy! :)
Delete