Wistin Born’s translation of Nicholas Monsarrat’s The Kappillan of Malta will be launched at San Lawrenz, Gozo. It was precisely here, where he had lived for the last ten years of his life, that Monsarrat wrote the famous novel in 1972/73. Born’s translation into Maltese came less than a year later, and was eventually read on Rediffusion by Charles Arrigo in 1974/75. The manuscript of the translation has been kept archived for the last 50 years. Wistin Born is the author of well-known novel Is-Salib tal-Fidda.

The Kappillan of Malta is a kaleidoscopic masterpiece of epic proportions. Situated during the worse years of World War II in Malta and Gozo, it spans the entire history of the Maltese Islands. Against all odds, a simple yet conscientious priest bears the fire and brimstone of Fascist air-raids and the hunger, demoralisation and hardships close to the common people he loves and to whom he dedicates his life. He is unable to hate, yet his love is taxed beyond the point of endurance.

The launching at Gozo will be held on Friday, 13 April, at 11.00 am, at the Monsarrat Primary School, San Lawrenz, in collaboration with the Minister for Gozo, Dr Justyne Caruana, and the Local Council of San Lawrenz. Those present will have the unique opportunity to see up close Monsarrat’s original four-page manuscript of the plot of The Kappillan of Malta which was givendonated to the Local Council by Monsarrat’s widow.

All Gozitans are encouraged to attend in honour of one of the most illustrious literary writers who happily lived amongst them for so long.