The Writers of Wales Database

BOWEN, JIM

Email: jim.clynfyw@virgin.net
Phone 01239 841236

Born in Swansea in 1967, Jim Bowen has written songs, poetry and short stories throughout his life. His grandmother had nine novels published in the 1940/50s and his father has had success with short stories in competitions, so writing is in Jim's blood.

Jim was first published in 2008 with a novel set in Kenya in the late 1990s entitled Just Another Mzungu Passing Through (Parthian). This story was partly inspired by Jim’s own experiences of working as the Nairobi Provincial Cricket Association’s development officer between 1996-8. The novel explores the extreme contrasts within modern Kenyan life. Jim promoted the publication of the novel with a tour of South Wales signing and reading in bookshops from Aberystwyth to Cardiff and gave many readings including at the Green Man Festival, Trinity College, Carmarthen, Barry Library and Johnstown WI. Discussions included the act of writing, living as an outsider, the influence of white man in Africa, the future of farming and whether England are any good at cricket.

Jim's next book, currently called Ashes than Dust, is due for publication in 2011. It is a novel about friendship, farming, the protest movement, life, love, loss and faith. Jim is also an organic farmer in Abercych, north Pembrokeshire and with his wife, parents and dog, they also run a respite holiday centre for people with special needs.

Jim is a Member of The Welsh Academy.

Reviews:
With respect to Just Another Mzungu Passing Through (Parthian, 2008)

"…This novel is especially topical with Kenya’s current political climate and is a wonderfully insightful read…"
Buzz Magazine

"…Bowen’s debut novel is instantly engaging and relevant now more than ever…"
Ladies First Magazine

"…Well written…an easy read… plenty to praise…"
Planet: The Welsh Internationalist

"...The tale is told in a straightforward, honest style without artifice..."
CLA magazine

"...If you haven't been to Kenya, it's a great read to give you a flavour of what it was like 10-15 years ago, and if you have been to Kenya, you should certainly relate to lots of it..."
Reader's feedback on amazon.co.uk

"...Touching every emotion, this story takes the reader to the very heart of Kenyan life as seen by Griff, as he tries to live and work in a culture that experiences some very harsh realities. Bowen's descriptions of the characters and places are clear and colourful and the dialogue leaves the reader in deep thought usefully questioning an outsiders place and value in a country such as Kenya. This novel is definitely worth a read..."
Reader's feedback on amazon.co.uk


Selected Publications:
Just Another Mzungu Passing Through (Parthian, 2008)
Ashes than Dust (Alcemi, 2011)

 

Just Another Mzungu Passing Through (Parthian, 2008)

Set in Kenya in the late 1990s, Mzungu follows the experiences of Griff, a young, naïve farmers’ son from west Wales, as he settles in to a teaching job in a failing school in Nairobi.

Making friends with members of the ex-pat and local community, he witnesses the joys and heartbreak, the laugher, love and discovery, the adventure, disappointment and suffering with people of all backgrounds, as he experiences life as he had never imagined it before.

Griff watches how the El Nino floods, slum clearances, street justice and corruption affect the Kenyan people. The poverty is overwhelming, and the contrast between rich and poor is startling, yet the dignity and determination of the average Kenyan move Griff beyond measure.

To purchase this title from gwales.com, please click on its front cover