e•spresso collection
Merlin Publishers
- sitt ġrajjiet u naqra għala spiċċajna (kif spiċċajna)
by Leanne Ellul
by Keith Borg
Always ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation in Maltese literature, Merlin Publishers are launching two new eBooks that will kick off a new collection called e•spresso. This series will offer short books, in digital format only, that can be read in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee (or two) - and at a similar price as well.
This innovative initiative offers Maltese readers a moment of literature in an accessible and convenient format that fits perfectly into today's fast-paced lifestyle - where we continue to long for quality writing, but have limited time to read. At the same time, this collection provides a platform for high-quality literary works which, for some reason, might not find their place in print or in short story collections, or which are of a genre or format - such as plays or poetry - that the small local market cannot support in printed form.
The first two titles in this new collection are sitt ġrajjiet u naqra għala spiċċajna (kif spiċċajna) by Leanne Ellul and meta nsir disgħa by Keith Borg. The idea is to keep expanding the series with new titles, so that the e•spresso collection grows to offer a wide and varied selection of writings, both from established authors and from fresh voices for whom this series could serve as a launchpad.
sitt ġrajjiet u naqra għala spiċċajna (kif spiċċajna) by established author Leanne Ellul, is a poetry-drama staged in 2022 in a collaboration between ŻiguŻajg and ŻfinMalta. Set in a futuristic time and place, the characters Leslie and Ashley exchange fragments of experiences and memories that touch on issues affecting young people's lives, such as war, environmental destruction, illness, self-harm, women's rights, poverty and hunger.
Despite the seriousness of the themes it addresses, the tone and rhythm of the writing serve as a counterbalance. "These are verses that might make you smile - and perhaps even shed a tear - but they're also real and they cut deeply," says Ellul. "They are alive, and they aim to spark hope, and a little bit of protest too, for a better society."
meta nsir disgħa by poet and author Keith Borg, is a collection of poems that emerged as a reaction to a reading by nine women poets at the 2023 Malta Book Festival. The collection draws its inspiration from the nine muses of Greek mythology, with each poem linked to a particular muse.
"When I heard these nine women reading their work, I was stunned," says Borg. "I felt a strong urge to respond, to engage in dialogue with their writing - and that's exactly what I did." Borg reflects that, in a modern Maltese society where almost daily we read about domestic violence cases, this writing is important to him, shaping his perspective on women. He admits that, although his standpoint will always be that of a man - with all the privilege that it brings - this dialogue was essential in helping him better understand women's lived experiences, and feel greater empathy toward them.
Like all other eBooks from Merlin Publishers, the digital books in the e•spresso series can be read through the Glassboxx app, which can be downloaded for free and has all the modern features we've come to expect from digital reading platforms. The app lets readers personalise font choice and size, background colour, bookmark specific pages, and much more.
The e•spresso initiative marks an important step in the evolution of Maltese publishing, as it creates more room for contemporary Maltese literature in a format that is both accessible and convenient for today's busy lifestyles.
"In today's world, where everyone's day is packed, e•spresso offers the perfect pause between one thing and the next," says Chris Gruppetta, director of Merlin Publishers. "The idea behind these ebooks is to deliver the joy of literature in a short burst, at the price of a coffee, and in a format you can enjoy wherever and whenever you like - on your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop. The e•spresso collection is perfect for anyone wanting to steal a literary moment in the middle of life's hectic rhythm, and it's also a great opportunity to read your favourite authors or discover new voices on the rise."
sitt ġrajjiet u naqra għala spiċċajna (kif spiċċajna) and meta nsir disgħa can be purchased from the Merlin Publishers website via a dedicated page - www.merlinpublishers.com/espresso/ - and read through the Glassboxx app