Richard Llewellyn's How Green Was My Valley is lauded for its lyrical prose and vivid depiction of a Welsh mining community. Readers appreciate its deep emotional impact and rich character development. However, some critique the novel's pacing and occasional sentimentality. Overall, it remains a powerful exploration of family and societal change.

A reader who enjoys How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn likely appreciates historical fiction with rich, emotional narratives and vivid settings. Fans of works like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith or Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt may find similar resonance in this novel.

How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn is a historical novel recounting the life of Huw Morgan, a scholarly young man from a working-class Welsh family in a mining town. The story follows Huw's observations and experiences as his family faces strikes, economic hardship, and personal tragedies while grappling with societal changes and environmental degradation in their community. The book includes references to community violence and environmental destruction.

Melancholic / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

- Richard Llewellyn initially claimed that much of the material for How Green Was My Valley was based on his own experiences in South Wales, but it was later revealed that he had no direct mining background and drew inspiration from stories he heard.
- The novel won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1940, which contributed significantly to its popularity and cemented its status as a classic piece of literature.
- How Green Was My Valley has been adapted into various media forms, including a successful 1941 film directed by John Ford that won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Richard Llewellyn

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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How Green Was My Valley Summary

Background

How Green Was My Valley Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

How Green Was My Valley Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-16

How Green Was My Valley Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-24

How Green Was My Valley Chapters 17-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-32

How Green Was My Valley Chapters 25-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-42

How Green Was My Valley Chapters 33-42 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

How Green Was My Valley Character Analysis

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Themes

How Green Was My Valley Themes

Symbols & Motifs

How Green Was My Valley Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

How Green Was My Valley Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

How Green Was My Valley Essay Topics

How Green Was My Valley

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read How Green Was My Valley?

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Book Details