A novel inspired by relatives who lived in a workhouse in Dwyfor is proving to be a hit with young readers.

Sioned Wyn Roberts’ debut novel, Gwag y Nos, is based in a fictional workhouse in Pwllheli in Victorian times. It’s based on research and tales from Sioned’s own family members who lived in the workhouse.

Entertaining and exciting young readers aged nine to 13, and attracting them to read Welsh books, can be challenging, but that is exactly what the author Sioned, who is also children’s programmes commissioner at S4C, has managed to do with Gwag y Nos.

The fictional novel is based in the Gwag y Nos Workhouse in 1867. Magi Bryn Melys is the main character, a confident young girl who is a bit of a rebel.

Since she moved to live in the workhouse, she has been a thorn in Nurse Jenat’s side, but her life is about to change forever.

The book takes the readers on an exciting historical adventure. We experience the heart-breaking life of the workhouse, where children and parents have to live apart and are constantly being punished and mistreated.

We laugh at Magi’s tricks and mischief, as she exacts her revenge on Nurse Jenat, the nasty manager of the workhouse. We travel with Magi to her home and her new job as the maid at Plas y Bonheddwyr in Aberhiraeth. We will be shocked and amazed as she discovers a secret, and uses her ‘girl power’ to challenge the organisation and try to save the day.

Although fictional, some parts of the story are based on real events, including the experiences of the author’s great-great-grandmother, who lived in Pwllheli Workhouse with her five children.

“Life for children in the workhouse was terribly difficult and that is evidenced in documents from the period,” Sioned explained.

“Many of the stories, like little Now being put in a sack and hung from the roof, about wetting the bed, and the scene when Magi and the children break into the morgue to save a friend, have been drawn from original documents.

“I’m passionate about bringing Welsh history to life for today’s children, so that they can see how difficult it was for our great-grandmothers. Reading Gwag y Nos they will see what was different about children’s lives a long time ago but, more importantly, what is similar.”

Nanw MacIntyre Huws is 10 years old, and loves the book.

“This book is brilliant,” Nanw said.

“It makes you feel like you’re there, and there are so many cliffhangers to pull you in. I felt sorry for Magi.

“I’ve had to live with Covid but Magi had to live with a lot worse. I didn’t enjoy Welsh books as much, but I loved reading this and I didn’t want to stop reading it.”

The story has also been a hit with young boys, and 10-year-old Deio was delighted with the book.

He said: “This is an exciting story that teaches us about life a long time ago, the rich and the poor. The descriptions evoke images in my head and make me want to know more.”

Rachel Lloyd, from book publisher Atebol added: “As a publisher it’s great to work with a writer like Sioned to convey Welsh history to young readers through a new and exciting story.

“Atebol aims to inspire, educate and ignite the imagination of children and young people by publishing books that bring the Welsh language to life in memorable and contemporary ways.

“We are delighted that young readers are thrilled with the book.”

Gwag y Nos is suitable for nine to 13-year-olds and is available in bookshops, on the atebol.com website and on Gwales now, priced at £6.99.