The Blue Book of Nebo

In The Blue Book of Nebo, a mother and son navigate life after a catastrophic event, documenting their experiences in a shared notebook as they adapt to their new reality.

In The Blue Book of Nebo, the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where Dylan, at the tender age of six, experiences the abrupt end of the familiar world when the electricity is cut off in 2018. Fast forward to the present, Dylan is now 14, living with his mother in their isolated hilltop home in north-west Wales. Their survival hinges on adapting to a new way of life, as they navigate the challenges of their new reality while reflecting on their past through a found notebook known as the Blue Book.

The bond between mother and son is tested as Dylan grows into adolescence, taking on adult responsibilities that shift their dynamic. The notebook becomes a vessel for their thoughts, secrets, and memories, allowing both characters to express their innermost feelings and experiences. As they document their lives, the reader is drawn into their intimate world, revealing the complexities of their relationship amid the backdrop of survival.

Manon Steffan Ros masterfully explores themes of resilience, adaptation, and the human spirit's capacity to endure. The Blue Book of Nebo not only highlights the stark contrasts between their old life and the new but also invites readers to question societal norms and the essence of community. This award-winning novel, originally written in Welsh, has garnered critical acclaim and has been translated into several languages, resonating with audiences around the globe.