A literary classic issued for the first time fifty years ago, L-Ewwel Weraq tal-Bajtar (Prickly pears in bloom) will be launched at the National Library, Valletta to mark the publication of the first contemporary novel in Maltese literature.

L-Ewwel Weraq tal-Bajta is the captivating story of a boy’s coming to age, written by Alfred Sant when he was just 19. It marked a threshold not only in his literary career, which was just taking off, but also in the national literary experience.

Back then, in the sixties, with freedom and independence in the air, Rediffusion was on the lookout for new works with talent and verve. Charles Arrigo thus agreed with the young Alfred Sant to read the novel.

However, half way through the series, Rediffusion’s top brass expressed its shock and indignation at one particular episode and ‘apologised’ to  its faithful listeners. The listeners were informed that his particular episode would not be repeated as scheduled. This censorship actually attracted more interest in the novel and months later it was issued in serialised form in It-Torċa prior to its publication as a book.

The novel, which now has an introduction by the award-winning writer Walid Nabhan, launched a new genre  in Malta’s literary experience: the mature psychological novel, which was then followed by works such as Il-Gaġġa and Samuraj by Frans Sammut, and others. The book will be issued by SKS Publications.

The official launching will be held at the National Library, Valletta, on Friday, 2 November, 2018, starting at 7pm. It will include a ‘conversation’ between Alfred Sant and Walid Nabhan, and dramatised excerpts of the novel. The public is invited to attend. Entrance is free of charge.