Britain, 1954.The Second World War has ravaged the country, and for years families had been forced to go without to help the war effort. Even in the tiny stone village of Capel Celyn – where time seemingly stands still in the lush beauty of the surrounding hills – the war has left behind empty tables and broken hearts. But then the residents learn that their beloved village is at risk of being taken from them, and in the most shocking way imaginable. Who will be brave enough to save it?
Present day.Al Locke, retired Navy Captain, sets off up the well-worn track through the valley, towards the pretty village of Capel Celyn, determined to find the girl he once loved. Elin Jenkins: the dark-haired Welsh beauty he was going to marry after the war… until tragedy tore them apart.
But what he finds in that silent valley is a mystery greater even than their own. The village, once lively, is underwater. A shimmering ghost town in the depths of a vast lake. How can he find Elin when all trace of her has vanished? And will she be capable of forgiving him for his part in their tragic loss?
A gorgeously atmospheric and page-turning read about family secrets, heartbreak and learning to forgive. Fans of Kate Morton, Fiona Valpy and Lorna Cook will adore this beautiful book.
What readers are saying about The Drowned Village : 4.3 out of 5 stars628 ratings P. Ashley 5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent, un-putdownabl Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2022I felt emotionally wrung out after finishing this novel - but it is so beautifully written. She evokes the beauty of the Welsh setting so wonderfully well and the characters also spring to life off the page - a couple of the descriptions of them were so sharp, theymade me laugh out loud. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heartbreaking… a story full of hope, love and a realization… A brilliant book and a highly recommended read from me!’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I just had to keep reading on and on to see what happened… made me want to cry, made me want to shout, made me laugh out loud.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved… I was totally consumed by the storyline… a real feel-good factor to it.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I am stunned… I did not expect to fall in love… I have to admit it, I cried… All in all, I love the book and I highly recommend this to everyone.’ Goodreads reviewer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book ended exactly how I wanted it to end! I loved it… Such an uplifting lovely book.’ Goodreads reviewer Shannon J, NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What can I say, this book was amazing. I cried, I laughed, granted the main characters definitely had a communication problem and so much could have been avoided but it was very good nonetheless
Bobbi M, NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you for letting me review this book! I truly enjoyed reading it. I was so engaged in the story and characters, enjoyed the storyline throughout the book. It kept me reading until the end!! I would highly recommend this book!! Sophie S, NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Forget The Notebook! It's all about The Drowned Village. I read this entire book in two days, ignoring my own relationship ( sorry David) and devoting my time to the love of Elin Jenkins and Alan Locke. This beautifully unique tale will fill you with hope, then will suddenly break your heart into a million pieces. Without giving too much away, it is truly an emotional rollercoaster, so tissues at the ready! Norma Curtis, you have gained a new fan :) NetGalley Reviewer 823951 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. I cannot wait to read more by this author. This author has now become a go-to author. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. I did that with this book. Emma Goodreads really liked it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ · I challenge anyone not to be moved by this emotional story about long lost love, missed opportunities, regrets and a life half lived. I was caught up in the romance of Al and Elin, him as a handsome American Navy Captain, her as a young nurse. I was hoping they would have their happy ever after but life took them on different paths. 65 years is a long time thinking 'what if' and wishing things could have been different. I loved the rural Welsh setting of the story and the characters were well developed and interesting. I listened to the book on audio and the narrator was excellent in changing between American and Welsh accents. Overall a lovely albeit heartbreaking story that I highly recommend. Laur r really liked it rated it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shelves: audiobook, historical-fiction, classic-mystery "A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets. " Sometimes, a book blurb can be misleading, this one certainly wasn't. Beautifully told, and emotionally heartbreaking, the drama unfolds slowly, dramatically, and it wasn't with certainty how it would end, until the last page was read (listened to).
Engulfing the reader in rich history, pieces of interesting geography, and a quest in searching the connection of Abraham Lincoln's ancestry, the main characters are interesting and colorful in dual timelines. But being young, compulsive and hurt, sometimes leads to decisions made in hast that will have lifetime consequences.
The audiobook edition of The Drowned Village, by Norma Curtis, was narrated by Josh Wichard. Mr Wichard did a beautiful job narrating, his tone was quite believable to the story told. 4 Stars - RECOMMENDED for those who enjoy the historical fiction genre.
My profound thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Norma Curtis for providing a digital AAC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. ( Top reviews from the United States Carla the Reader 5.0 out of 5 starsA Beautiful Story of Love, Regrets and Forgiveness set during an interesting Historical Event Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2022The Drowned Village begins in the tiny Welsh Village of Capel Celyn in the 1950s. Al Locke is staying at a nearby B&B and meets Elin Jenkins, a young girl living on her family's farm. They fall in love and plan to be married before Captain Al Locke, a Navy Captain, has to report to Japan. At the same time Capel Celyn is fighting to save itself from being leveled and flooded for a reservoir to supply Liverpool. With plans for their marriage progressing, Elin is convinced to stay and help her families and friends fight. Sending Al a short telegram to let him know she has been delayed, to be followed by a letter explaining what was going on, things don't happen as planned. The letter is delayed by five months and changes both their lives. Present day. Al returns to Wales 65 years later to find Elin and find out what happened to her as well as to share why he made the decisions he did. He had no idea that instead of a village, he finds a lake. Will he be able to find Elin? Will they be able to finally learn the truth about what happened all those years before.
The Captain’s Wife is my first book by Norma Curtis and I will be watching for other books by this author. The story was different from other historical fiction I have read, but what it has in common is an enjoyable story, with great characters and an event I did not know about. I do not read a lot of stories set in Wales, so that was unique as well. The story is a slow burn, taking some time to get into, but when it does pick up you become lost in the story of one man’s journey to right wrongs and misunderstandings and in the process he hopes to reunite with the one he has never stopped loving. The romance of Elin and Al was sweet, but turned to heartache for both of them. One decision let to another and another that made Elin's life difficult, I felt so bad for her. As much as Al regrets the past, I was frustrated with his actions. He spent 65 years thinking 'what if' and wishing things could have been different, until he finally took the step to find out what really happened. This is a story where a marriage that didn’t occur, causes lovers to separate, and dreams unrealized. The ending was not what I was looking for, but thinking about it after a bit, I think it was realistic and perfect. As always I went off to learn more about "The Drowned Village" and was very interested in what happened to the places, graveyards etc. The synopsis describes the book perfectly "A beautiful and heartbreaking story about lost love, forgiveness and family secrets." It illustrates the repercussions of acting rashly and impulsively. I did a read listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Josh Wichard, who did a beautiful job narrating the story. His voices were excellent, especially changing between American and Welsh accents. Overall a lovely albeit heartbreaking story that I highly recommend Linda McCutcheon VINE VOICE 4.0 out of 5 starsHeartbreaking Historical Fiction Romance Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022"Nothing compares you for the isolation of grief." The above line is the soul of The Drowned Village by Norma Curtis but there is an underlying message of hope by the end of this heartbreaking audiobook. Sixty five years ago young naive Elin falls in love with Al a U.S. sailor on leave in her picturesque Wales village. They have instant chemistry, sexual attraction and a love of ancestral history. Before he leaves to go back to Pennsylvania he proposes knowing he must go home and break the heart of the girl he left behind. In the meantime Elin tries to save money for her trip to Al's homeland. Then her village, her family farm and all the history there is threatened to be washed away from a proposed reservoir that will literally wash away all she has ever known. She can't leave now and her tragic miscommunicated telegram to Al sets off a chain of misunderstandings that alters many lives. Now in the present Al has finally made it back to Elin but as he happily strolls towards her home he sees nothing of her village or any sign of her existence. With the help of neighboring townsfolk Al searches for a place in time when he knew true love. Narrator Josh Wichard brought tears to my eyes as he tells Al's story still not knowing what really happened to Elin and where her journey brought her in life. His swallowed sobs and held on anger were very real. The writer brings this story full circle with a message that life is made of moments and we often must let go and enjoy the life we are having rather than yearn for living what we thought would be our life. I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Amazon Customer 4.0 out of 5 starsEngaging story Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022“The Drowned Village” by Norma Curtis tells the story of Al Locke. Al, a member of the US Navy 65 years ago, returns to Wales in search for a the gravestone (and possible history) of one of Abraham Lincoln’s mother’s Welsh relatives. When Al had last been in Wales, he’d been shown a family member’s gravestone by Elin Jenkins, a woman who stole Al’s heart. Upon arriving in Wales, Al goes to the little village where Elin had lived and makes a discovery that breaks his heart. This book starts off discussing Al being ready to embark on his trip and some of his past history with Elin. Then the story goes between the present and the past. The reader is introduced to new characters in Al’s adventure along with some he met 65 years ago. Through all of the book is the search - and hope - that Al can find the gravestone or some tangible information about Lincoln’s Welsh roots. Let me start by saying that reading about the Welsh museum I found rather fascinating. Yes, I ceased reading and consulted online sources to see if Madoc (long ago Welsh prince - not really part of the story!) really did have a plaque in Alabama (it’s been removed) and what history was behind the claims of a Welsh Prince discovering the land now known as North America … I was also surprised by how many US Presidents claim Welsh heritage (there are a number, including Abraham Lincoln). A nice little nod to Welsh heritage. Our main character, Al, is now an 85 year old man and to see him still being healthy and sharp was very pleasant to read (my father at that age was not as nearly as spry as Al). Al also had that wonderful attitude of “okay, let’s do this” which I found refreshing to read about - as it didn’t seem that Al had a hidden agenda. While I found Al’s basic storyline rather interesting (and a bit sad), I found one of the minor character’s stories a bit odd (outfoxing a scammer). I didn’t feel like I got to “know” too many of the other characters (even Elin) that well, though I was pleased to see the closure in Elin’s life, even if I didn’t agree with her actions (and concur with Sophie’s comment). This book moved a titch slowly, but it was always a steady path forward (even when visiting the past, the story still moved forward filling in information). I would read another book by this author and I was engaged by this story.
cynthia 4.0 out of 5 starsLong Held Love Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022Al is an American Navy man whose ship stops in England for awhile. He meets Elin and they connect immediately. She takes him back to her home town in Wales and they quickly fall in love. But not everyone in Elin's town is pleased with this outcome. When they decide to marry, parents on both sides of the ocean think it's too soon. When Al's ship leaves they plan to reunite, but due to misunderstanding on both sides, this doesn't occur. Sixty five years later Al returns to the small town where he found so much happiness, but it has vanished beneath the waters of a man made reservoir. Will he find Elin and also conclude a search for relatives of Abraham Lincoln's mother? I listened to the audio version. He was male and managed to slip between accents easily and affectively, which added to the enjoyment of the listen. This was a quick read of a gentler and slower time and I enjoyed the journey there. My only quibble is I wanted a different ending, but this was probably the author's braver choice. I would give it 3.5, but will round up to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Author Norma Curtis, and Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Page~Turners Caroline 5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful time-slip historical fiction Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2022Britain, 1954 World War II has ended but there hasn’t been much help for the families to rebuild their lives. The tiny village of Capel Celyn still appears to be beautiful on the outside with its vibrant beautiful surroundings. But the residents of the village have no food and broken spirits. Soon they receive word that the village is going to be taken away from them, and they must be brave and once again fight for what is theirs. Al Locke, an American Navy Captain proposed to Elin Jenkins a young Welsh girl and the plan was for her to move to Pennsylvania and they would be married. But, things didn’t quite go as planned. Present-day retired Navy Captain Al Locke sets sail to the beautiful village of Capel Celyn, determined to find his fiancé Elin. Instead he finds the village underwater in the the depth of a huge lake. Now more than ever, he must find Elin and ask her to forgive him for his role in the loss of everything they held dear. This story was very intriguing to me and I loved that it was based on true events and that it is a time-slip novel. I always enjoy a book that teaches you about the past, and joins to the present day while uncovering everything in the middle. This story was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I found the characters to be very believable and I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed and beautiful description of Wales. This is a story that definitely leaves you pondering. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to those who love historical fiction with romance, heartbreak and forgiveness.
Thank you Norma Curtis for such a beautifully written true story filled with hope and inspiration. This story was a one that pulled you into the pages, and made you feel like you were part of the story. I enjoyed it very much and I highly recommend it.
J.K TOP 1000 REVIEWER 4.0 out of 5 starsGood Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022The Drowned Village has an undertone of sadness. A marriage that didn’t occur, lovers separated, and a dream unrealized. I was intrigued with the premise of the book. A man returning to search for his former love after 60 years. The parts I liked the best were all the references to Abraham Lincoln’s ancestry since that is one of my forte’s. The story illustrates the repercussions of acting rashly and impulsively. The story left me sad and somber
Richard G. Lyntton 5.0 out of 5 starsGreat writing! Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022Fantastic writing, great story, Norma Curtis is a true reader's writer. As a Brit in USA, I loved the characters' tangled web of our two cultures in both the present day and historical plots. Entertaining, heart-warming (yes, the blurb is accurate), and I also enjoyed the Welsh-American history element I knew nothing about - eg. US presidents hailing from Wales and Welsh Princes discovering America! Must read if you love this genre - will not disappoint. Phenomenal deal for Kindle ($2.99) and paperback ($9.99) formats. Top reviews from other countries Bridget Whelan 5.0 out of 5 starsAddictive Reading - You will lose sleep! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2022 Verified Purchase This is a genuinely moving story written with warmth and a real understanding of human nature. The blurb says it is gripping and that's true. I didn't intend to stay up late reading it but I was reluctant to leave the world the author created and the people in it. It was one of those just-one-more page nights which I didn't regret (even the next morning when Alexa told me it was time to get up). The Drowned Village captures a time and place and above all what it feels like to love - whatever your age