Eurgain Haf wins the Prose Medal this year in a competition that attracted 14 entries
This year’s theme was a volume of creative prose not exceeding 40,000 words on the subject of 'Newid' (change). The adjudicators were Annes Glynn, John Roberts and Elen Ifan.
The Medal was presented by Clochdar, the local papur bro in Cwm Cynon, in memory of Idwal Rees, the first headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdâr, and the financial prize of £750, by Cymdeithas Gymraeg Rhiwbeina.
Annes Glynn said in her written adjudication, “This is no heavy, laborious novel. The author's ability to change tone effectively, the combination of compassion and fun, and the subtle flashes of humour - something which is quite rare in the competition - keep her from falling into that pit. Here is a writer who knows when to put the brakes on and is confident enough in their own ability and in the judgment of the reader.
“Manaia writes vividly; and overall created round, lively characters with many examples of effective phrases throughout.
"Manaia certainly knows the value and power of words. For creating a combination of them artfully with subtlety, sensitivity and humour and for creating a memorable protagonist, Manaia receives the Medal this year.”
Elen Ifan says, “The writing is solid: there are elaborate and sometimes poetic descriptions, strong characterisation, good plotting, and believable dialogue throughout.
"The story builds to a crescendo that borders on being extreme, but for me the event that leads to that climax - a seemingly insignificant one - is very successful. The reader, when experiencing it through Heli's eyes, understands the significance, and we feel her loss.
"This novel as a whole, and its characters in particular, fascinates, and stays with the reader for a long time after reading. Manaia fully deserves this year's Medal."
John Roberts notes in his adjudication, "Manaia has the ability to write subtly but colourfully and vibrantly, and the characters are round and whole.
"The picture of the father's frustration and the mother's uncertainty is very subtle, but is enough for the reader to recognise and walk with them... These are characters that stay with the reader, and this is sensible, imaginative writing that uses humour, warmth and tension. Manaia comes out on top and the other two novels are close on its heels."
Eurgain Haf’s roots are in Penisarwaun, Eryri, but she now lives in Pontypridd with her husband, Ioan and their two children, Cian Harri and Lois Rhodd and a sweet little dog called Cai Clustia’.
She was educated at Ysgol Gynradd Tan-y-Coed, Penisarwaun and Ysgol Uwchradd Brynrefail, Llanrug, where she was influenced by her Welsh teachers, Esyllt Maelor and the late Alwyn Pleming who encouraged her to write.
She attended Aberystwyth University, and graduated in Welsh and Drama, before completing her MPhil in drama, and she is grateful to Professor Elan Closs Stephens and the late Professor John Rowlands for all their encouragement.
She is indebted to the organisers of Eisteddfod Bentref Penisarwaun for giving her the encouragement and the confidence to write when she was a child and would encourage any new writer to compete and support their local eisteddfodau.
She went on to win a number of literary prizes including the Crown at the Urdd Eisteddfod, the Eisteddfod Môn crown, and the Literary Medal at Eisteddfod Dyffryn Ogwen.
She has published twelve children’s books, including Y Boced Wag and Cyfrinach Noswyl Nadolig and has contributed short stories for collections such as O, Mam Bach! Cariad Pur and Nerth Bôn Braich.
She is also a former winner of the Drama Medal at the Inter-collegical Eisteddfod, and one of her short plays, Cadw Oed, was performed as part of Sgript Cymru’s touring production, ‘Drws Arall i’r Coed’ in 2005.
She would like to thank all the pleasant editors she’s worked with, in particular Catrin Hughes, a former-editor with Gwasg y Dref Wen, for giving her the chance and the thrill of seeing her work in print for the very first time with her children’s novel, Fferm Ffion.
She works in the communications and PR sector and spent ten very happy years working in the S4C Press Department before being appointed Senior Press and Media Manager for the Save the Children Wales charity.
Among her other interests are walking with friends, going on holiday to the most beautiful places in Wales with the family and singing with Côr Godre’r Garth.
The full adjudication will be available in the Cyfansoddiadau a Beirniadaethau, published at the end of the Chairing Ceremony on Friday afternoon. Eurgain’s winning volume will be available to buy at the end of this ceremony.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod lasts until Saturday 10 August. For more information go online, www.eisteddfod.wales.