A unique insight into our literary past

Mark Vella will be delivering a public lecture on Juann Mamo’s short stories, published in the book Ġrajja Maltija, released earlier this year by Klabb Kotba Maltin. In this lecture, Vella will discuss the research process that led to the discovery of the stories, and while framing them within the Maltese literary context, will attempt to shed light on the history of the Maltese short story and Mamo’s oeuvre (with comparisons between his novel Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerka and his rediscovered short stories), while suggesting new pathways for the appreciation of the author and the criticism and research concerning his works.

Though Mamo’s themes and leitmotifs overlap from novel to short story, these new unearthed writings reveal a harsher outlook on Maltese reality, expounded with a bitter humour that chastises a national tragedy characterised by poverty and a quasi-endemic ignorance.

The lecture will take place at the National Library, Valletta on October 22 between 19:00 and 20:00. Entrance is free. A reception will follow.