No mere collection of words and grammar

Abstract

The stories in Steger Glial Qabel Jidlam represent a series of portraits quite independent of each other but sharing the same four corners. Aspects of Maltese life are delineated here through genre-painting to spark off consideration of human life. Mast of these stories are capable of extension, going beyond the black and white print. Friggieri believes that all art is launched from the particular, explores new space and touches down on the universal. Reading about local characters and incidence leads the reader to see general principles which often allow extensive interpretation. Friggieri makes this possible despite the narrowness that seems to insulate the Maltese natural habitat, and so we can discuss the content on various levels. As the author states, his preoccupation of claustrophobic life on a folkloristic crust makes him realize that this closeness is still part of humanity. His characters are thus human, not simply national, with tensions and delusions. [excerpt]