How birds helped Bar Fridman-Tell reimagine a Welsh myth in Honeysuckle
Bar Fridman-Tell's debut novel, Honeysuckle, reimagines the Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd from The Mabinogion, focusing on themes of personhood and agency. Inspired by her surroundings in New England and her experiences during her husband's postdoc, she incorporates nature and vibrant seasons into her storytelling. The novel raises important questions about consent and the dynamics of relationships, reflecting on the shifting power balances that occur over time.
- ▪Bar Fridman-Tell's novel explores the story of Blodeuwedd, a character from The Mabinogion.
- ▪The author drew inspiration from her experiences living in New England and observing nature.
- ▪Honeysuckle addresses themes of personhood, agency, and the complexities of consent in relationships.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
ShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountWhen Toronto-based author Bar Fridman-Tell stumbled across The Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh stories compiled centuries ago, it felt like coming home.Open this photo in gallery:Bar Fridman-Tell’s new novel, written during a period when she agreed to travel with her husband so he could study in the U.S., explores themes of personhood and agency.Julie Riemersma/SuppliedAs a child, Fridman-Tell, who has a master’s in English literature, would annually read The Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander, which was based on The Mabinogion and includes many of the same characters.The depiction of one figure in The Mabinogion never quite sat well with her, however.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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