This historic novel blends together romance with battle, honour and glory during the times which revolve around the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. It sets off with a ferocious pirate attack on a remote hamlet in the middle of the night, where everyone is dragged away and taken as a slave. Well actually, not everyone!
That is because, a child who at the time was only seven years old, manages to escape only by miracle, and survives. However, he never manages to rid himself of the frantic desire to seek revenge over his family's Saracen assailants.
When he grows up, he starts to engage in military training and enrols in the Maħras, the corps which used to guard the Maltese shores against pirate attacks. And later on, as a brave and daring fighter in the Maltese Dejma militia, he finds himself right on the front line of battle when the Ottoman Empire lays siege upon Malta to annihilate once and for all, the Hospitaller Knights of the Order of St. John.
At this point, it is very important to highlight the fact that, this novel aims to present to the reader the unique opportunity to look at The Great Siege from a different angle. The traditional novels tend to focus on the events which took place in the Grand Harbour arena. But this time, Ix-Xafra tad-Destin - L-Imdina 1565 looks at The Great Siege through the eyes of Mdina. Consequently, the main characters are the inhabitants of Mdina and the surrounding villages and hamlets such as Rabat, Ħal Bajjada, Ħad-Dingli, Ħal Tartarni, Mġarr, Ħal Dragu, Mosta, Ħal Pessa, Naxxar, Ħal Bordi, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Ħal Muxi, Ħal Qdieri and the surrounding areas. They did seek refuge, but they were also the combatants who were ready to defend the Old Capital's weak walls, and bravely attacked the ravaging Turkish parties.
This is because, the Order's main Cavalry detachment which was based in Mdina, although heavily outnumbered by the Turkish troops, ventured to assist its brethren in the harbour area. At great peril, it sallied out regularly to perform the lionhearted task of harassing, attacking and wreaking havoc on Turkish positions, and engaging in numerous deadly skirmishes against roaming scouting parties. Furthermore, Mdina was also responsible for the line of communication which was daringly maintained between Malta and Sicily throughout the Siege, so that finally the relief forces could arrive safely to fight off the Turks.
As such, it is evidently clear that even Mdina played a very important part during the course of the Siege. But how many of us know of all this, and do appreciate the effort? Can we percieve the fears which the people taking shelter in this crowded City were really going through? Do we actually realise that Mdina's contribution was also instrumental towards the defeat of the Ottoman army? And most of all, is it fair that Mdina doesn't ever seem to share any credit in the victory of the Great Siege of Malta of 1565?
Notwithstanding all this, however, it is very important for the reader to keep in mind that, although the novel blends in well with the events which were actually taking place, the balance never tilts towards any boring historic text book. History is pleasantly skimmed and recounted in a most flowing and adventurous manner. So much so that the reader should enjoy roaming along Mdina's bastions, and will surely become allured to venture through its underground secret passages. One may also come across his own surname, which could have been written and pronounced quite differently in those days. Similarly, it might be easy to pick up the cheerful notes of a flejguta, a żummara, and the sweet sound of a żaqq. And as the galloping Cavalry horses speed along, one will surely be passing through the various hamlets which were inhabited at the time, but are nowadays forgotten since they have been absorbed by the larger villages.
Following the success achieved by his first novel Preżenza - Inti Temmen fil-Ħares?, the author has once again chosen to write this novel in the first person with short chapters, specifically to help the reader become better acquainted with the characters and with the flow of events. As the story starts to unfold, the reader immediately feels as if he/she is taking part in this glorious adventure, with the urge to discover even further what will be taking place next. Moreover, besides the excitement in battle, this intense novel also features a lustful and passionate love story between two young lovers within the Mdina walls, which makes it even more difficult for the reader to put the book down.
Ix-Xafra tad-Destin - L-Imdina 1565 aims to entertain readers who love historic novels, romantic adventures and whoever wishes to pick an action packed account which keeps one glued to the very last pages. Furthermore, it is important to note that besides the exciting story in itself, the author also had in mind to present to the reader a rich literary experience. As such, it is garnished with various expressions, idioms as well as proverbs which are commonly used in the Maltese language, for anyone who seeks to enjoy reading a good book in Maltese.
Michael Cini was born in Ħamrun on the 20th July 1964 and grew up in Balzan. After finishing secondary school he worked for some years in the tourism industry and was later employed as a clerk in the Public Service. He qualified as a Draughtsman, and today occupies the position of Senior Principal. During the course of his career, he studied at the University of Malta, where he graduated in Public Administration and also as a Proof-reader in the Maltese language. He lives in Mosta with his wife Carmen and son Nicolai.
While in his first novel Preżenza - Inti Temmen fil-Ħares? the author brought you face to face with the ghost of a mother who could not yet find eternal rest, in his second novel he shall be leading you through the gates of history to take part in this exciting adventure during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.