The Drowned Village

After 65 years, Al Locke travels back to Wales to reconnect with Elin Jenkins, his ex fiancé.   The book's name change fit the book much better.  The cover is beautiful.  This book was just not for me.  I just didn't connect with any of the characters.   I received this ARC from Netgalley. 

In the 1950s, an American sailor meets a Welsh student nurse in Liverpool. They fall in love and he proposes.

Elin takes Al to meet her family in the tiny village of Capel Celyn. He is captivated by the beauty of the village and welcomed by her family.

Alas, before the wedding be arranged, Al is called back to his ship and sets sail for Philadelphia.
Elin will follow him and they will wed in his home town.

Then Capel Celyn comes under threat of being flooded for a reservoir. Elin chooses to postpone her departure to help campaign against the flooding.

Sadly, her telegram is misinterpreted as ending the relationship. Al is heartbroken and seeks solace in marrying a close family friend.

Meanwhile, Elin eagerly awaits letters from Al, but becomes increasingly desperate at the silence.
Finally, she is informed of his wedding.

Her life quickly spirals out of control.

Sixty-five years later, retired Naval captain Al Locke returns to Capel Celyn. He is devastated to find the village drowned and no trace of Elin.
He stays for a week and the story is slowly revealed.

The book is heart-breaking at times, but finally Al finds the answers he sought and a lasting sense of tranquillity.

The narration was excellent.

I received a free copy of this audiobook via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.