This historic romantic novel set in NSW and South Wales coalfields shows how personal ambition jeopardises family relationships. It is the story of Idris Evans from the Swansea Valley in Wales, who decides at seven years of age to become a mine manager. He achieves his goal in Australia in 1929 but realises he wants more. As a manager and owner he treads a fine line between unions, mine owners, banks, politicians and early WW2. The oncoming World War 2 drives the mechanisation of his mines. The self-interest of banks and politicians is mirrored in events today.
Before leaving Wales in 1921 Idris made two Love Spoons, both of which find a home in Australia. Which love prevails, or do both succumb to his driving ambition?
Industry Reviews
Allan Edgar has boldly chosen a major theme for Dark Clouds of Ambition, and worked it into an epic covering nearly half a century on two continents, charting the determined rise of coalminer Idris Evans from his early days in old South Wales to the brink of wealth and power in NSW. The industrial activities, events and settings in Wales and the Hunter Valley ring true with believable characters and situations. - Clive Woosnam, Past President Sydney Welsh Choir, Past President Dylan Thomas Society of Australia