'Voices in the Dark'
Author: Mary Anne Zammit
Publisher: Chipmunkapublishing (U.K.) / 2022
Pages: 280
Mary Anne Zammit is not a new name in the field of arts and book-writing. Voices in the Dark reflects her passion for the work she specialises in - probation services and parole. She has authored four novels in Maltese and two in English. As a poet, she is featured in international magazines and anthologies, and contributed regularly in the international Poet magazine. She is also a regular contributor on the Familja magazine by the Ministry of Family and Solidarity.
This new novel does not lack intrigue and suspense as Mary Anne delves into the area of multiple personalities. Although the story and the characters are fictitious, it is based on a world of real and complex issues, resulting mainly from the scourge child rape.
I asked Mary Anne to expound further on this new book: I asked her what is the main message and what is being proved by her novel. Other questions are how the author developed the plot.
In her answers, Mary Anne brings forth the main ideas, assertions and arguments of her work. Other questions are whether the book is true, in whole or in part? What is the significance of the book? And which audience is the book directed to? The following are her answers.
The novel, Voices in the Dark, is a story with a mixture of intrigues but also with psychological battles experienced by persons suffering from multiple disorders. I wanted this to be the main message, to make it thought-provoking for readers.
Individuals who suffer multiple disorders face different realities which for us may sound strange or even absurd. The truth is that it is real and has considerable impacts.
This story has been a journey for me, but I hope even for the readers. I tried to weave a plot where Rebecca, the main character, who suffers from mental health, is tormented by the voice of a mysterious personality who dictates to her what she needs to do. Despite all obstacles, Rebecca manages to conquer and win her battles. In other words, she was empowered.
Further on, there is also another aspect which I aimed to explore, and this is the reality of organ transplant. Because there is a theory, though not scientifically proven, that indicates that the patient who receives a transplant often takes the attributes and traits of the donor.
I would say that the main theme of the novel is that of mental health and its impact. It all revolves around the main character and her turbulent life, her psychological battles, love and the enigma of the personality who constantly communicated through her. Also, by adding a touch of mystery, helped to take the story in a different direction.
How it developed.
Firstly, this story entailed a lot of research, not only in the field of mental health but also about the experience of patients who received kidney transplants. I was mainly inspired by the books written by Dr Larry Dossey, a medical doctor, who explored the subject of organ transplant and its effect on the receiver's personality. This scientific information fascinated me. It was not an easy task, but I managed to merge the two characters and unfold the story, and I feel I have achieved that.
The mysterious personality, who almost dictated the life of the main character, led to the revelation of underground crime - the abuse of immigrant children.
The main detail is in the character, Rebecca and her personalities, as she goes day by day through these identities. I hope that I managed to configure the life of a woman and what ailments she goes through, her aspirations and frustrations.
Like other authors I seek to create what I see around me and portray the experiences of daily life. In my career I have dealt with cases of mental health and undoubtedly, this has left a mark on me. The effect of multiple personalities is real and my argument is to bring to the light the problems but also to teach and educate the readers.
The story and characters are all fictitious. The book is significant because it is based on reality and contains lots of elements, those of loss, love but also hope.
The book is intended for readers from adolescence age and above. Mental health is a reality which affects all ages and all of us have, or had friends or relatives, who suffered from some ailment. My final message is that I hope the readers find this book helpful as well as enjoyable. The novel is a journey of all the stages and realities we come across in our life.