Roots in the Rhondda gives a moving depiction of what it was like to live in the early days of coal mining in South Wales portraying the oppression of the working classes in the capitalist system and their struggle to achieve upward mobility. This illustrated memoir should appeal to readers who enjoy family sagas, in particular those portraying the social history of the time. As such it highlights the importance of education, grasped in turn by each family member, to escape the poverty of their birth. It depicts the positive attitude of one family, recounts the struggle to survive and kindles a spark to shed a ray of light which illuminates the all-pervading darkness of poverty and despair so prevalent in the coalfield of the Rhondda of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. There is also some overseas interest in the portrayal of life in France and Pakistan, as seen through the eyes of a British woman, as well as a brief travelogue describing journeys to many different countries worldwide. This lively memoir will appeal to a wide readership."This is a poignant family saga which follows the author's remarkable story from her roots in the Rhondda to her life today, oscillating between France and Wales, having gone global (to Pakistan) in between. This engaging story is lively and flows well throughout, highlighting the importance of education in her escape from poverty." -- Professor Eleri Jones, Dean of Research, Cardiff Metropolitan University"This moving and extraordinary story of a family past and present crosses continents and oceans and covers over a hundred years in time. It takes us back to the early days of industrialisation and the sinking of mines in our valleys which led to the boom era of coal and all the vast changes that entailed. In so doing, it portrays the social history of the Rhondda and the uplifting spirit of its people. At the root of it all is the resilience of love, determination and courage that, despite hard and often sad times, produces an optimism that has given the extended Stevens family a story that deserves to be preserved." -- Kay Leakey, Senior Deputy Head (retired), Treorchy Comprehensive, Rhondda"This fascinating tale charts the history of a number of generations of a working-class family from the Rhondda Valley. Their supportive and close-knit community in the village of Ynyshir meant that help was always at hand when times were hard. At the centre of village life was the church which afforded them another constant source of hope and strength in the struggle to survive. It is heart-warming to read how the family's firm Christian faith stood them in good stead as they strove to improve their lot. Their story serves as an splendid example to those who struggle to lift themselves out of the harsh circumstances into which they were born whilst still holding their place of birth and its people deep in their heart." -- Rev Paul Bigmore, Vicar of Saint Anne's Church, Ynyshir, Rhondda