Wales Book of the Year Focus: Gwyneth Lewis
Ask the Author: Gwyneth Lewis
When did you first realise that you wanted to be an author?
7 years old or so, bored during a rainy school holidays.
What inspires you?
Time to blank out, so that the subconscious fish come up to bite; walking; things that people say to me, for example, a neighbour about her dog: ‘A little black dog got on the 57 bus’. It’s true. To Asda.
Who’s your hero and why?
Anyone truly selfless.
Your favourite place on earth and why?
A library; some select Welsh beaches.
What are you currently reading?
Which one of the pile of books I have on the go? Elif Shafak, There are Rivers in the Sky; Anne Applebaum, The Twilight of Democracy; Matthew Yeomans, Seascape. And many more…
What inspired the idea for your book?
Plotting for a lifetime to understand the damage done by emotional abuse by my mother. I reached a point where my courage was at the maximum.
Will you read a piece from it please?!
Who should read your book and why?
Anyone who’s concerned with the pitfalls of parenting; anyone who’s suffered at the hands of a narcissist or from emotional abuse.
How does it feel to have reached the WBOTY 2025 Shortlist?
A thrill and an honour.
Do you have any other work/events in the works?
I’m writing a book on how to read and write poetry if you’re afraid of it. Always thinking about the next book.
In the words of the judges…
More information on Nightshade Mother…
Nation Cymru Book review: Nightshade Mother by Gwyneth Lewis
Book Review: ‘Nightshade Mother – A Disentangling’
Welsh poet Gwyneth Lewis on life with emotionally abusive mother – BBC News
Ffion Dafis – ‘Nightshade Mother’ – Hunangofiant Gwyneth Lewis – BBC Sounds