Saith Selog

There are many translations of famous books, but few offer quite the delightful cultural crossover of Saith Selog. Here we have one of Enid Blyton’s beloved adventure stories rendered into Welsh, proving that hidden treasures, mysterious islands, secret passages and suspicious-looking adults are every bit as exciting when discussed in the language of dragons, choirs and road signs that appear to contain more consonants than strictly necessary.

For generations, Blyton’s stories have introduced young readers to a world where children enjoy astonishing levels of freedom, bicycles are a perfectly adequate substitute for adult supervision, and every holiday somehow develops into an international incident involving smugglers, kidnappers or long-lost family secrets. Modern risk assessors may need to sit down with a strong cup of tea before proceeding.

In Saith Selog ("The Secret Seven" to those less fluent in Welsh), a determined band of young detectives once again throws itself enthusiastically into mystery-solving. Armed with notebooks, passwords and an almost supernatural ability to find trouble wherever it may be hiding, the Seven tackle puzzles that would probably result in several safeguarding meetings if attempted today.

One of the enduring charms of Blyton’s work is the absolute confidence of its young heroes. Adults spend much of the story being baffled, distracted or spectacularly unhelpful while the children race ahead, uncovering clues and exposing wrongdoers with cheerful efficiency. Police officers arrive eventually, of course, but usually after the children have done most of the difficult work.

The Welsh translation adds an extra layer of charm. Familiar adventures gain a fresh voice, and readers may find themselves enjoying the curious experience of reading a quintessentially British mid-century mystery through the lens of modern Welsh publishing. It is a reminder that good stories travel remarkably well, even when accompanied by a different vocabulary.

There is also something wonderfully nostalgic about Blyton’s universe. This is a world of sandwiches wrapped for adventures, bicycles leaning against hedges, secret meetings in sheds, and children disappearing for entire afternoons without anybody demanding GPS updates every ten minutes. It is less a realistic portrayal of childhood than a glorious fantasy of independence.

The irony, naturally, is that the members of the Secret Seven spend an enormous amount of effort protecting the secrecy of a club that appears to be known by practically everyone in the neighbourhood. Passwords are exchanged with great seriousness. Meetings are conducted with solemn ceremony. Yet somehow suspicious strangers, family members and passing adults always seem able to discover exactly where they are.

This 2016 Atebol edition remains in good condition and would make a delightful addition to the shelves of Welsh readers, Blyton collectors, language learners or anyone who enjoys seeing classic children’s literature take on a new linguistic life. Whether read for nostalgia, education or simple enjoyment, it offers the same mixture of adventure, mystery and innocent excitement that has entertained readers for decades.

Perfect for young readers discovering Welsh-language books, adults revisiting childhood favourites, or collectors seeking unusual editions of classic Blyton works. It may even inspire a new generation to form secret societies, devise passwords and investigate entirely innocent happenings in the garden shed.

Sold by Crappy Old Books, where secret clubs are welcome, provided they remember the password and don’t investigate the stockroom too closely.

Keep browsing: See more Welsh books Other books by Enid Blyton