When the Stones Held
By David E. Owen
Publication Date: 16th May 2026
Publisher: Independently Published
Print Length: 331 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
When the Stones Held is a historical novel inspired by the remarkable true story of William Edwards, the self-taught Welsh stonemason who built one of the great bridges of the eighteenth century.
Growing up in rural South Wales, William lives in a world of hard physical labour, dangerous rivers and limited opportunity. From an early age, he develops an instinctive understanding of stone, balance and the possibilities hidden within the landscape around him.
As the coal trade begins to transform the valleys and the need for safer routes grows, William accepts an extraordinary challenge: to build a bridge across the River Taff at Pontypridd. He is twenty-seven years old and has never built a bridge before.
What follows will test far more than his skill as a stonemason. Flood destroys his first bridge. Later attempts bring new failures and new problems to solve. With his reputation, livelihood and family affected by every decision he makes, William must decide how much he is prepared to risk for something no one can promise will succeed.
Set against a South Wales beginning to experience profound change, When the Stones Held is a story of ambition, family, community and resilience, and of an apparently ordinary man whose determination would leave a legacy that survives more than two and a half centuries later.
Any Triggers: Drowning, poverty
Review - A FIVE STAR read
When the Stones Held is a fascinating insight into the life of William Edwards, someone I knew nothing about until reading this book.
As a child, William faces immense hardship, and yet he has the motivation to try to tame the river that took his father—or at least build a bridge that would prevent any more drownings. But it is no easy thing for a child who has been evicted from the only home he knew to learn a trade, let alone achieve such an ambitious dream. During the book, he faces extreme poverty, is bullied and belittled, and suffers setback after setback, yet his determination never leaves him. This made him a fascinating character to read about.
This is not a book I would automatically have picked up, but I am really glad I did because I found it unputdownable. This book is a must-read, not necessarily for fans of the history of bridges, but for anyone who enjoys quality, engaging historical fiction.
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.
A huge thank you for taking the time to read and review David's book. It's wonderful to have you joining us on the tour!
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