At this year's Malta Book Festival, taking place in Ta' Qali from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 November, Kite Group will be launching three new collections of short stories by distinguished Maltese authors.
The new book by Judge Emeritus Toni Abela, titled Il-Biljett tal-Lotterija u stejjer oħra, reflects on his bond with writing. Abela remarks: "In the short story genre, I find the fullness of literary expression brief, yet as rich in narrative as a novel. In an age when our days seem shorter, the short story is the ideal literary form for those who lack the time for long reading. As I showed in my first book, L-Imxennqa għall-Ġiżirana, published by Kite Group in 2022, my stories seek to reveal different aspects and characteristics within human nature - our merits and our flaws. But above all, I wish to remind readers that in life, nothing is guaranteed, and nothing is certain. For that reason, I have kept the element of surprise alive at the close of many of the stories in this collection. Once again, I leave it to the readers to judge the characters for themselves."
Hector Scerri, well known for his academic and research publications, ventures for the first time into the realm of fiction with Il-Giżimin ta' Ġona u stejjer oħra. This debut collection brings together 15 imaginative tales - a series of vignettes born from the author's fertile imagination that transport readers into a range of vivid worlds. They form a kaleidoscope of colours and emotions. These are timeless reflections and stories that challenge not only the imagination but also the conscience of the 21st century reader.
Lawyer Reno Borg also presents a new work, Doqqli, Doqqli ħa tferraħni u stejjer oħra. Literary critic Tarċisju Zarb, who analysed Borg's collection, notes: "In this volume, Reno Borg often reveals glimpses of the world he has inhabited and the environment he has worked in. In Diego Costas and L-Imħallef tal-Qmis Griża, we sense his experience as a lawyer in court, though most of his other characters tell us little about the author himself. L-Ospizju reflects the reality and tragedy of old age, while Il-Perit ta' Robben Island recalls the apartheid politics of South Africa. Il-Gżira ta' Saint-Gabriel portrays a utopia - that elusive ideal we all seek but rarely find. Borg uses his characters as mirrors of society, to explore themes such as the environment, euthanasia and - more subtly - the question of celibacy. His prose is clear written with the intent of offering readers a meaningful and enjoyable escape."
Gracing the cover is a masterful painting by the well-acclaimed Maltese artist Anthony Calleja. The three new titles will be available at the book festival in Ta' Qali or from www.kitegroup.com.mt and leading bookstores.