Book of the Month – August 2023
Dylan was six when The End came, back in 2018; when the electricity went off for good, and the ‘normal’ 21st-century world he knew disappeared. Now he’s 14 and he and his mam have survived in their isolated hilltop house above the village of Nebo in north-west Wales, learning new skills, and returning to old ways of living. Despite their close understanding, the relationship between mother and son changes subtly as Dylan must take on adult responsibilities. And they each have their own secrets, which emerge as, in turn, they jot down their thoughts and memories in a found notebook – the Blue Book of Nebo.
Winner of the 2023 Carnegie Medal for Fiction - the first book in translation to win this award - The Blue Book of Nebo is an exceptional YA crossover novel that explores the human capacity to find new strengths when faced with the need to survive, but also questions the structures and norms of the contemporary world.
Read it? Let us know what you think on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using
#HBOTM.
Further reading
Carnegie medal for children’s books goes to a translation for the first time, The Guardian
Manon Steffan Ros on adapting The Blue Book Of Nebo from Welsh to English, United by Pop
About the author
Manon Steffan Ros was born Snowdonia and worked as an actress before becoming a writer. She writes for adults and children and has won the Wales Book of the Year for her adult fiction as well as being four-times winner of the Tir na N’Og Welsh children’s literature award. She has also won Eisteddfod and National Theatre Wales awards for her drama writing. She lives in north Wales with her two sons and baby daughter.
About Hay Festival's Book of the Month
Hay Festival's Book of the Month is our monthly recommendation of a book we love and think holds particular resonance. This is our chance to celebrate great works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry year-round.
Throughout the month, we'll share interesting links and articles relating to our selection on social media using #HBOTM and invite you all to get involved with your questions and comments.
If you'd like to recommend a book for consideration, please share on social media using #HBOTM.
Happy reading!
