Oliver Onions
Mushroom Town
"Mushroom Town" by Oliver Onions is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in the fictional Welsh seaside town of Llanyglo, which has rapidly developed into a tourist destination, showcasing both its natural beauty and the characters that inhabit it. The story centers around the Garden family, particularly young John Willie, who navigates the changes in this growth-oriented community while coming to terms with his own identity and place in a world that mixes the local with the unfamiliar. At the start of "Mushroom Town," readers are introduced to Llanyglo through the eyes of the Garden family, who arrive for a summer holiday. The opening vividly describes the town's landscape, its bustling tourist scene, and the contrasting simplicity of life for its residents. We meet Edward Garden, who is looking to establish his family's presence in this developing town, and John Willie, a lively boy engaged in the carefree antics of youth, reveling in the richness of his surroundings. As they settle in, the Gardens encounter the local culture, reflected through characters like Dafydd Dafis, a local bard, and Howell Gruffydd, the grocer. This introduction sets the stage for unfolding themes of community, change, and the intertwining of personal narratives with the backdrop of a society in flux.