'be;n il-kmiem'

Author: Leanne Ellul

Publisher: Merlin Publishers

Pages: 176

In a world where we often avoid discussing the emotional struggles of young people, Leanne Ellul's bold pen offers an intimate glimpse into a reality rarely - if ever - explored in Maltese literature. Her novel be;n il-kmiem, recently released by Merlin Publishers, tackles the subject of self-harm with exceptional depth and sensitivity, as it brings the voices of young people closer to society's ears.

Winner of the 2023 Young Adult Literature Competition, and consequently supported by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the National Book Council, this novel follows the journey of Nina, a 17-year-old girl burdened by life's challenges. When her mother is left in a coma after an accident, Nina suddenly finds herself responsible for her baby sister while navigating a strained relationship with an unsupportive father. Despite living a privileged life in a luxurious villa, Nina seeks solace "between the sleeves", turning to self-harm as a temporary escape from her internal pain and isolation.

In stark contrast to Nina's world is Dolor, the family's cleaner, who lives alone in the same street in a gorboġ (hovel) overflowing with clutter gathered over the years. Like Nina, Dolor also grapples with grief and loss, hoarding items as a way of coping. In the novel, the dynamic between these two characters creates a bridge of mutual solace in a world that feels dark to both of them.

Ellul, a seasoned writer and educator at Junior College, is a prominent voice in the Maltese literary scene, and has won multiple literary awards over the years. She writes for different audiences - both poetry and prose - and has translated various works into Maltese. Ellul's writing is known for its ability to address sensitive topics skillfully steering clear of both moralism and sensationalism. Despite the serious themes she addresses, Ellul weaves moments of humour and wordplay into her writing, offering a nuanced balance between depth and lightness.

Reflecting on the inspiration and work behind this novel, Ellul shares: "be;n il-kmiem was conceived some time after gramma. It started when I began reading fictional and non-fictional works related to self-harm. There was a time when three cases were being reported daily, and the numbers seem to be increasing. I started questioning what leads a person to harm themselves and recognised that there is much vulnerability and fragility, as well as strength and power, in the act itself. There is release and a cry for help". While rejecting the idea of literature as a teaching tool, Ellul embraces its role in fostering conversations about such sensitive topics.

Ellul further elaborates on the novel's themes: "For me, this is a novel of contrasts - between childhood and youth, innocence and intent, luxury and poverty, abundance and deprivation. Even as a book, it swings between extremes: it is meant for young people but speaks just as profoundly to those whose birth year suggests otherwise."

Even the novel's title itself plays with the idea of contrast. be;n il-kmiem, which in the story represents a space of pain and suffering, subtly contrasts with the phrase Bejn il-Kmiemen, the Maltese name for the Blue Lagoon, a place associated with enjoyment and pleasure. Additionally, the semicolon replacing the letter "j" in the title, is inspired by Project Semicolon, a global movement that uses the symbol to represent hope and the idea that life continues beyond moments of struggle.

The book's cover, designed by artist Pierre Portelli, is a subtle and striking reflection of the content. The innovative design presents a text-free metallic grey outer cover, adorned only with the symbol of a blade. Upon opening the book, a vivid red inner cover is revealed, further reinforcing the book's themes in a powerful visual way.

be;n il-kmiem was launched on 18 March at an event held at the Aġenzija Żgħażagħ building. Attendees were invited to receive symbolic temporary tattoos, while the author engaged in an intimate conversation with the novel's editor, acclaimed writer Clare Azzopardi.

'be;n il-kmiem' is available for purchase at bookstores or online at www.merlinpublishers.com