Kissirtu Kullimkien (“You’ve Destroyed Everywhere”) is Lara Calleja’s second book, published in 2020. It consists of a collection of short stories, some of which are linked thematically or through what appear to be recurring characters (especially in the opening pieces). Environmental concerns lie at the heart of the collection – hence the title, which refers to rampant development that threatens to destroy both Malta’s natural habitat and its traditional urban fabric. But the stories also touch upon other subjects, particularly relationships – between family members, lovers, friends. The dialogue feels authentic, contemporary, and down-to-earth and the writing is engaging, stirring a gamut of emotions. Indeed, what surprised me about Lara Calleja’s latest book is that besides the righteous anger there are also plenty of poignant – even tender – moments. For instance, I was struck by one of the pieces, featuring two friends who break into a large, abandoned house to spend the night in its rambling gardens. Its message is an earnest one – the need to protect Malta’s heritage – but as important for the story is the colloquial banter between two young women, which sounds as if we are eavesdropping on a real conversation. And the image of night enveloping the old building has a magical, lyrical, undeniably romantic (and Romantic) tinge to it. Clearly Lara Calleja has several tricks up her sleeve, and I look forward to discovering what she will come up with next.

https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/2021/03/Lara-Calleja-Lucy-Min-Kissirtu-Kullim... ( )

Kissirtu Kullimkien (“You’ve Destroyed Everywhere”) is Lara Calleja’s second book, published in 2020. It consists of a collection of short stories, some of which are linked thematically or through what appear to be recurring characters (especially in the opening pieces). Environmental concerns lie at the heart of the collection – hence the title, which refers to rampant development which threatens to destroy both Malta’s natural habitat and its traditional urban fabric. But the stories also touch upon other subjects, particularly relationships – between family members, lovers, friends. The dialogue feels authentic, contemporary, and down-to-earth and the writing is engaging, stirring a gamut of emotions. Indeed, what surprised me about Lara Calleja’s latest book is that besides the righteous anger there are also plenty of poignant – even tender – moments. For instance, I was struck by one of the pieces, featuring two friends who break into a large, abandoned house to spend the night in its rambling gardens. Its message is an earnest one – the need to protect Malta’s heritage – but as important for the story is the colloquial banter between two young women, which sounds as if we are eavesdropping on a real conversation. And the image of night enveloping the old building has a magical, lyrical, undeniably romantic (and Romantic) tinge to it. Clearly Lara Calleja has several tricks up her sleeve, and I look forward to discovering what she will come up with next.

https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/2021/03/Lara-Calleja-Lucy-Min-Kissirtu-Kullim... ( )