A STUDENT at the Department of English and Creative Writing, who has learned Welsh fluently, has published a humorous novel about a group of learners.

Sarah Reynolds is originally from Reigate in Surrey and is studying for a PhD in creative writing at Aberystwyth University.

She has been learning Welsh for seven years and her first novel in the language, Dysgu Byw (Learning to Live), was published by Gwasg Gomer in October 2016.

The novel follows the fortunes of a group of learners attending an evening class, and has been described by the publisher as a “comic romp” and “hilarious”.

Her work has also been highly praised by author and Aberystwyth alumna, Bethan Gwanas.

Describing the novel as a “pearl” and “refreshing”, Bethan said she “smiled, cringed and laughed out loud” when reading it.

The novel begins with the history of the class’ tutor, Siwan James, who wishes to be anywhere else rather than standing in front of a diverse group of learners.

A former actress on the Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm, Siwan’s wish is to return to stardom and life on screen, and not to wilt whilst listening to people mangling the language and numbing her ears.

Sarah is now writing a new novel, in English this time, and hopes to be able to combine life as a writer with an academic career.

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