Whose Song to Sing? By Ben Wildsmith

Join author Ben Wildsmith for a talk Jon his latest book, Whose Song to Sing?

How does an adopted person construct their identity? In this collection of essays, Ben Wildsmith relates the key events of a turbulent life and considers the factors that shaped his nature. Examining notions of culture, belonging, authenticity and family, Whose Song to Sing? takes us from 1970s Birmingham to South Wales in the 2020s, via America, Australia and Thailand. Wildsmith offers an adoptee’s take on society – ironic and occasionally caustic – as he struggles to carve out a space within it. As family life disintegrates, he seeks refuge in culture, always returning to the songs and stories of the Valleys, the gift of his adoptive grandfather. We follow a path from childhood privilege to addiction and despair, before the healing power of community offers a route to happiness. Unflinching and frequently comic, Whose Song to Sing? shows how establishing a viable identity from uncertain materials can be a creative act, and a life’s work.

You may also like the following events from Storyville Books:

• This Saturday, 15th November, 10:00 am, Pontypridd Tabletop Games Mini-Festival in Pontypridd
• Next Saturday, 22nd November, 12:30 pm, Carys Shannon and Mari Ellis Dunning will be signing copies of their debut novels. in Pontypridd
• Next month, 6th December, 10:00 am, Pontypridd Toy & Train Collectors Fair in Pontypridd

Also check out other Arts events in Pontypridd, Literary Art events in Pontypridd.