Gwann Mamo : Malta's foremost satirical novelist

Abstract

Gwann Mamo, the most important satirical novelist in the history of Maltese Literature, is also the most enigmatic figure amongst all Maltese writers. In most respects his work is still unsurpassed and can be considered fresh and inspiring as it was more than 60 years ago when its publication created considerable interest and controversy in literary and political circles. His satirical vein is really exceptional; it seems to defy and challenge the profoundly sombre, at times fatalistic, character of most of the works written in Maltese in the thirties. His harsh criticism of society at large, especially of identifiable members of the ruling class, seems to have worked a lot against him. He has been eventually forgotten, and fundamental research about him, including the documentation of the dates of his birth and death, was only conducted for the first time by the present writer in 1983-84. Things have changed radically and Mamo is unanimously given his due as one of the more innovative and intriguing Maltese writers of his time. [excerpt]