Tony C Cutajar

Already this year another three books written by Tony C Cutajar have been published by three different publishing houses. 2008 seems to be another very promising year for the author, as was last year when he won two prestigious rewards at the National Book Award ceremony. In January Klabb Qari Nisrani published and distributed its 103rd edition under the name of ZGHAZAGH FIL-BIBBJA, dealing with eleven young heroes of the Bible whose experiences can serve as models even for our modern youngsters.

In March Klabb Kotba Maltin issued the latest in the series of mystery stories entitled IL-MISTERU TA’ MIGRA L-FERHA, an adventure story with a Maltese history background in connection with two young couples and their exploits. Then in April PIN continued its series of books entitled “Kullana ghat-Tfal” which contain factual information on cultural aspects of Maltese society. Tony C Cutajar’s book, entitled IS-SERVIZZI, deals with Social Services: the police, teachers, doctors, nurses and tourist operators.

On the occasion of the Book Fair and Book Awards ceremony which took place at the Auberge de Castille on 29 November 2007, Tony C Cutajar won two prestigious awards. He was judged first in the category of books for children with his book Id-Drawwiet from among 23 other books presented by various other authors. Furthermore he won second prize in the drama category with his book Mhux Skond iz-Zokk. The awards were presented by the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi in the presence of Dr Louis Galea, Minister for Education, and a numerous audience of authors, publishers and distributors. A selection of Mhux Skond iz-Zokk was one of two representations dramatised for the occasion by the School Drama Unit. .

In February 2008 we are having two new books written by Tony C Cutajar. One is ?G?A?AG? FIL-BIBBJA to be published by the Media Centre, dedicated to all teenagers and young adults. It recalls famous personnages in the Bible? who in their youth lived an interesting or unusual life and who showed great faith in God. The second book is IL-MISTERU TA’ MI? RA L-FER?A to be published by Klabb Kotba Maltin. This is one of a long serious of mysteries for children and young adults being published by the Klabb these last few years. The author has? written a number of them and hopes to have another mystery this year..

I’ve been writing since 1974 and since then I’ve published almost one book a year. At times in one year three or four books of mine came out, depending always on the good will of the publishers. As a teacher I always found the time to indulge in writing.

I started writing for adults, then for children and these last few years I’ve dedicated my energies towards teenagers who always complained that there were no books in Maltese specifically written for them. And they were right. But now they have no excuse for not reading in Maltese now because I’ve already published 15 books for their pleasure and a number more are waiting for the light of day.

When I’m invited to speak to students about my books, they often ask me why I almost always write in Maltese. As a teacher of English for more than 40 years, ten of them in England, they expect me to write only in English. Well, I always loved the Maltese language, even when away from our island. And I still do. I hope that you do too and maybe my books will encourage you to start writing like me.

Good luck.