Book Review - When the Stones Held by David E. Owen

 

This Book is one for you TBR list!

I really enjoyed 'When the Stones Held'. I knew nothing about William Edwards before reading this book and had no idea I could become so interested in a man building bridges!

William was such an easy character to like. Following him from a little boy who was fascinated by how things worked right through his life made me feel as though I really knew him. He gets things wrong, picks himself up and tries again, and I found myself willing him on.

I also loved the Welsh setting. You really get a feeling for the small community, where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business, and how much the valley changes as the years pass. 

I thought all the bridge building might go over my head, but it didn't at all. I actually found it really interesting and was far more invested in whether those stones were going to stay up than I ever expected to be.

There are some sad moments in this book and some lovely ones too. By the end I felt quite emotional because I had followed William for so much of his life.

This is a really enjoyable historical novel and it has made me want to find out more about the real William Edwards. 

I have given When The Stones Held ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Information

Publication Date: 16th May 2026

Publisher: Independently Published

Print Length: 331 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction 

When The Stones Held is an unforgettable historical novel inspired by the true story of William Edwards, the self taught Welsh stonemason who built one of the greatest bridges of the eighteenth century.

Born into poverty in the remote valleys of South Wales, William grows up in a world shaped by hard labour, dangerous rivers, and communities struggling to survive. Education is rare. Opportunity is rarer still. Yet from childhood, William becomes fascinated by stone, by balance, and by the dream of building something that will outlive him.

As the coal trade begins transforming Wales and merchants demand safer routes through the valleys, William sets himself an impossible task, to build a bridge across the fierce River Taff where others have failed. Floods destroy his work. Rivals mock him. Powerful men try to break him. Each collapse threatens his reputation, his livelihood, and the people he loves.

Set against the harsh beauty of eighteenth century Wales, When The Stones Held is a story of ambition, resilience, love, grief, and determination. It brings to life the people, language, and struggles of a forgotten world while telling the remarkable true story behind the bridge that gave birth to the town of Pontypridd.

Perfect for readers who enjoy rich historical fiction, Welsh history, and stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.

Buy Link
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Author Information

David E. Owen

After decades spent teaching around the world—from the UK to the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East—I came to writing fiction later in life. I started with fantasy before finding my voice in fast-paced, real-world spy thrillers. My stories are grounded in current issues like corruption, gender bias, and power, but always emphasise pace, surprise, and character-driven tension.

I’ve visited over 80 countries, worked as a radio host in Abu Dhabi, directed Shakespeare for African audiences in the bush, and even survived a flash flood in Mali and an armed hold-up. I was arrested for drug-smuggling in Nigeria but was eventually released when I refused to pay off the police captain, and I was boat-wrecked alone on a desert island in the Arabian Sea (but no tree) and rescued through a police search. Now retired from teaching, I split my time between writing, photography, and trying to get fit (thanks to a stubborn rowing machine). My latest novel, Hate Machine, tackles misogyny and gender radicalisation — not typical thriller territory, but I like a challenge.

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