Reading is arguably one of life’s greatest pleasures, although some love it more than others. Given the current circumstances and lockdowns in various parts of the world, one would hope that people are reading new books or rereading their favourites to lift their spirits a little.
We asked some of our EC Malta members of staff to give us some brief information on their favourite books and what they love about them. Below are the results!
Keith Borg – Director of Studies
The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
“This is not only a thought-provoking book, eerily as relevant today as it was in Victorian times, but also one of the best examples of the written word used as a remarkable expression of art. In a book where the idea of beauty is akin to immortality, Oscar Wilde never defines the image for you; no matter how many times you read it, your Dorian Gray will always look different in your head – this is the power of words and the images they evoke at different times of your life.”
Therese Moore – Assistant Director of Studies
His Bright Light – Daniele Steele
“It gave me an insight into the importance of mental health support as well as the support of a mother, what she goes through and what she does to try and save her son. It’s food for thought.”
Ingmar Albig – Centre Director
Shogun – James Clavell
“It gives you really interesting insight into 17th century Japanese culture, which is so different to my personal European cultural background.”
Edward Caruana Galizia – Teacher
The Prime of Ms. Jean Brodie – Muriel Spark
“I love Muriel Spark’s style of prose; it’s just got a very romantic feel to it.”
Nick Dunkley – Teacher
The Kappillan of Malta – Nicholas Monsarrat
“It’s part of social history, it shows how things work. I can imagine my grandparents going through the same thing in England. When I read the book, I can see the places they’re talking about. I can imagine the scene.”
Anthony Cristina – Teacher
The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents – Terry Pratchett
“It reveals a lot about humanity through the eyes of rodents.”
David Aquilina – Teacher
The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien
“It’s beautifully written – a combination of mythology, history, social commentary and language. A journey into the psyche.”
Greg O’Shea – Teacher
That They May Face The Rising Sun – John Magahern
“It explained something to me about life that I never understood before.”
Pamela Lucia – Teacher
Lust – Roald Dahl
“Every story has a satisfying ending; you never want the stories to end because they’re so humorous and fascinating. I love the irony and sarcasm that certain characters possess.”
Zarah Towell – Teacher
Kafka on the Shore – Haruki Murakami
“It’s the first book I read by a Japanese author. I read it in my first year of teaching in Indonesia and it was very thought-provoking. I love the enigmatic style of writing – the sentences are beautifully crafted and very visual.”
Tendy Bvumburah – Teacher
Dune – Frank Herbert
“It has a dynamic plot and characters that make sense. It’s surprising, it’s a new and totally different world. It’s uncanny.”
Dion Pizzuto – Teacher
One Compulsive Desire – Dion Pizzuto
“I love it because I wrote it! Also because it’s poetry, which is something I love very much.”
Verliscia Alexander Peterson – Teacher
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Stieg Larsson
“It was so good that I read it in about 4 hours. It introduced me to dark, underworld Sweden.”
Rachel Micallef Somerville – Teacher
Just Kids – Patti Smith
“Patti Smith is possibly my favourite writer of all time. This book is a beautifully written autobiographical portrayal of 60s/70s New York, of young artists trying to navigate their way among giants in a big city. It explores the ups and downs of art and youth from an honest and realistic perspective. It has exposed me to music and literature which I otherwise wouldn’t have discovered. I just love this story with all my heart.”
Tristan Meadows – Teacher
1984 – George Orwell
“It was chilling to read in 1984 and it has become so relevant in 2021. This represents Orwell’s despair at how a population’s willful ignorance can be manipulated by an amoral government.”
Robert Marsh – Teacher
Gormenghast – Mervyn Peake
“The level of language is brilliant and the descriptions of people and characterization is outstanding.”