Months behind schedule the countdown to the ‘Llyfr y Flwyddyn Aberaeron Book of the Year’ has finally begun with the announcement of a shortlist that features several books with strong Welsh connections.

Rugby biographies by former Wales captain Sam Warburton and former Wales manager Warren Gatland, a first novel from Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones, a short story collection previously serialised on BBC Radio Four, by Aberaeron writer Cynan Jones and books in Welsh on nature and a local monument by Onwy Gower and Mari Emlyn.

The award was due to be presented at G?yl Lyfrau Aberaeron Book Festival last October but Covid 19 restrictions meant the festival had to be cancelled, explained organisers Dr Niki Brewer and Karen Brewer of Gwisgo Bookworm, Aberaeron’s independent bookshop. “The ongoing pandemic rules out the possibility of an alternative event but we are determined not to lose this positive boost to readers and writers in Ceredigion and beyond.

“We have seen a resurgence of interest in books over the last 12 months with many people rediscovering the joy and well-being of reading for pleasure. The ethos of the bilingual festival is to promote current writing and writers of Ceredigion and Wales, in every genre. We have an unrivalled wealth of talent on our doorstep that is making an important and increasing contribution to the literary world and the Aberaeron Award pitches that talent against the best and most popular books in the UK.”

The previous runaway winner, ‘Cows, Cobs and Corner Shops’ by Megan Hayes, a bilingual study of the men and women from rural Wales who established London’s milk trade, beat Gail Honeyman’s UK best seller ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ into second place, with Ifor Lloyd’s ‘Derwen’ coming third. Presenting the Award, Ceredigion MP Ben Lake praised Megan’s: “Capture of an important and influential period of Ceredigion history.”

Karen Brewer said: “There is a broad range to this year’s shortlist of books, in Welsh and English, covering nature, fantasy, comedy, history, sport and biography, including some big names, instantly recognisable titles and a few surprises.

A countdown to the ‘Llyfr y Flwyddyn Aberaeron Book of the Year’ will begin over the next few days with the positions of books posted on social media and in the Gwisgo Bookworm shop window, leading to the announcement of the top three and presentation of the award in the New Year.

The full shortlist:

‘Cofiwch Dryweryn – Cymru’n Deffro’ gan Mari Emlyn

‘Dinosaur Farm’ by Penny Dale

‘La Belle Sauvage’ by Philip Pullman

‘Lancaster: The Forging of a Very British Legend’ by John Nichol

‘Lyfr Adar Mawr y Plant’ gan Onwy Gower

‘Never Greener’ by Ruth Jones

‘Open Side’ by Sam Warburton

‘Pride and Passion’ by Warren Gatland

‘Stillicide’ by Cynan Jones

‘The Boy The Mole The Fox and The Horse’ by Charlie Macksey

‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn

‘The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton’ by Anstey Harris