Event post: Teodor Reljic - Two launch

I have finally finished reading Teodor Reljic's debut novel, Two.  Not because the narrative is boring or nowhere close to intriguing or entertaining.  Far from it.  Very far from it.

As I attended the book launch organised by Merlin Publishers in collaboration with Creative Island last Friday, I made it my plan to immerse myself into this other world for three solid days maximum, making the most of the long weekend.  Alas, now that I no longer have the luxury of laying in bed all day while the parents (bless them) carry out the errands and chores (I'm a grown up, independent woman of sorts now), my duties dragged me, rather unwillingly, away from Two's world.

Or should I say worlds? Without giving out any spoilers, the narrative revolves around William's reality and Vermillion's world - a world which only William, his mother and the reader seem to be privy of. William's candid thoughts are conveyed by the narrator and I loved the candour, honesty and innocence captured in this young voice.

The launch itself was captivating enough.  Set in the hauntingly beautiful Cafe Wignacourt in Rabat, those attending the launch were lead towards a 'Well of Secrets' where we could listen in on others' untold truths.  Then, hooded creatures, masked with what looked like bark from trees, ushered us to the 'Tree of Secrets', where again, we could spy into others' hidden tales which this time were hanging from the branches. Being given access into others' secrets meant that we had to reciprocate by writing down our own secrets and throwing them into the 'Vessels of Secrets.' (Sharing most of my life on this blog meant I found this actually rather difficult to do!) Wine and nibbles flowed with the attendees' words, floating on the fresh spring breeze.

For logistical reasons, we seem to have missed the author's speech, if there actually was one.  And though until then my 'fangirl' status was still undetermined, I would have loved to have a chat with Reljic to find out more about the creative process.  But I had only read one page of the book until then - Two passed Ford Madox Ford's test with flying colours in my opinion: "Open the book to page 99 and read, and the quality of the whole will be revealed to you." 

The rest of the pages, well, if I hadn't enjoyed the book or the event that launched it, I wouldn't be blogging about it, let's face it.  It's up to you to get engulfed in Two now.

"I need to get between the shadows like an insect or a snake.  Without my parents around me I feel like a different thing, like I'm an animal, a creature.  All alone, I can be whatever I want to be."

Photos courtesy of Jacob Sammut.  For more of his photography, please click here.

Buy Teodor Reljic's novel Two here.



N.B. This is not a paid or sponsored post and all opinions are my own thoughts.

 

Event post: Clare Azzopardi - Kulhadd halla isem warajh launch

There are so many stories to be told.  Some more moving than the others.  Some which make you laugh, others which make you cry. Just last night, I met two of my girl friends over some dinner and a glass of wine as we recounted personal anecdotes from the last weeks since we've met.  We told each other stories we were told by others, or that we read or heard about as we put on our coats to head over to Blitz to hear some more narratives. 

Last night Merlin Publishers (Malta) launched Clare Azzopardi's latest offering Kulħadd ħalla isem warajh at Blitz in Valletta.  Kulħadd ħalla isem warajh is a collection of 8 stories inspired by 8 women the author has come across at some point or other in her life.  Giving life and providing a teasing insight into the book, the haunting venue was set up in moody lighting, with a popcorn machine in one room, free-flowing wine in another, dresses hung as makeshift curtains, and if I'm not too mistaken, songs by female singers or with female names for song titles being played in the background.  It was difficult to hear exactly what was being played but it was not important.  Gathered there, were other local literary greats and upcoming authors whose lectures I've had the honour of attending, or whose books I've had the pleasure of reading.  Male actors read out snippets from three of the stories found in the collection, each giving a different life and interpretation to extracts from the same story.  I wish my grainy photos could give the event due justice, but I hope they whet your appetite for this book.  

I won't give you any spoilers, even because I'm only half way through the book myself, which I only started reading about an hour ago.  Sandra, Rita, Gracey, Roża, Lily, Margaret, Camilla and Polly are going to keep me company on this rainy afternoon. I feel I know them already.  I hope you get to know them too.  

Buy Kulħadd ħalla isem warajh here.