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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 OCTOBER 2022 5 CULTURE L-Eku tal-Ħabbata (The Echo of the Door Knocker) - another collection of short stories by Joe Camilleri Book review L-EKU tal-Ħabbata (The Echo of the Door Knocker) is the title of a new collection of in- trospective short stories by Gozitan author Joe Camilleri. Another outstanding literary publication by the renowned publishing house HORIZONS. The 256-page attractive book contains twenty short stories which capture experiences and preoccupations still echoing in the memories, the hearts and souls of f lesh and blood char- acters. L-Eku tal-Ħabbata provides a captivating journey of psycho- logical depth that raises reflec- tive and pertinent questions as the door knocker resounds memories that may even mirror our own doings and undoings. For some characters the door knocker evokes subtle, melodic and cherished moments of love, endearment and intimacy. It erouses empathy for those who seek justification or fullness in their life. Others are continually search- ing for a personal identity, for understanding and acceptance irrespective of their sexual ori- entation. Some characters cap- ture our admiration especially through their sense of commit- ment and gratitude because of past blessings. However, there are various in- stances when the door knocker continues to evoke a loud, per- sistant echo of sadness, anxiety, fear, tension, frustration amd disillusion. The door of hope is slammed in the face of certain unfortunate people, especially when they have to bear the con- tinual inner scars of their child- hood sexual abuse. By zigzagging through the characters' past experiences and behaviour, the author de- scends readers in the abyss of the subconscious. We remain stunned by the curious conduct of a child who is ready to blow a kiss at a poor stranger but not at a newly inaugurated baroque statue of Christ the Redeem- er. In another case, why does a still levelheaded woman consid- er the celebration of her 100th birthday to be an ironic and useless toast to life? Why does another female character erupts in anger whenever she hears her demented husband recit- ing certain prayers in Latin? What causes a man to be always aware of a shared personality ever since his early years? An- other character uses stensils to cover a female photograph with geometric shapes and symbols. Hopefully he aims at turning this destruction into another work of creativity. But through this action does he succeed to destroy his dual per- sonality? Why does an emigrant revisit an abandoned country house? Is he trying to quiet his troubled conscience? What preoccupations and childhood memories are unearthed by the affliction of cancer treatment? For others, even a seemingly ordinary behaviour like a fear of bats can have a psychological significance. Such, and various other ques- tions tickle curious minds, stimulate and challenge think- ing, and take us in the realm of the realities of the modern and postmodern era. At the same time, while providing enjoy- able reading, each interesting literary rendering touches our sensitivity and leaves an echo that rambles in our inner selves. These short stories are written in beautiful, rhythmic and mod- ern Maltese by an experienced writer who knows how to wield a pen. Technically, the writer starts each short story from one par- ticular dimension. He then ex- pands by using different strat- egies, including flashbacks, continually weaving a narrative that leaves readers captivated. L-Eku tal-Ħabbata is Camill- eri's seventh collection of short stories. It follows suite after the successful publications of Soli- tudni fil-Folla (2007), Fir-Rokna tas-Silenzju (2008), Żwiemel tar-Riħ (2010), Mużajċi tat-Ta- fal (2020 – short listed for the National Book Prize), Ir-Raġel tas-Skiet (2021, 1st and 2nd edi- tion), and Dwal mill-Kantini (2021). The Valletta Local Food Festival – a celebration of local cuisine MINISTER for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici launched the first edition of The Valletta Local Food Fes- tival organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency. Minister Owen Bonnici said that this festival centers around a variety of local products and also celebrates its beauty. "We will continue to work to make this festival a success. The main goal remains to fos- ter in people's lives the aware- ness and appreciation for Mal- tese identity and culture, and to embrace the aspects which make us what we are", stated Minister Owen Bonnici. The Artistic Director of this Festival said that in collabora- tion with various other profes- sional chefs, a multi- faceted menu with local products was created. Charles Bone also said that all those who attend will be given a surprise as soon as they enter the building. Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that this festival will be another part of the Valletta 2018 lega- cy and invited the Maltese and Gozitan people and tourists to attend this festival and cele- brate local cuisine. This festival which will last for three days, from the 20th till the 22nd October from 7:30pm onwards, aims to cele- brate local cuisine. The Valletta Local Food Fes- tival will be held at the Valletta Design Cluster, which from a shabby building today has be- come a state-of-the-art build- ing that can be enjoyed by all those who visit the capital city. All those attending the festi- val will have the opportunity to taste top-level food cooked by professional chefs as well as local wine, beer and liquors, to music by established local sing- ers. Some of the different food items which will be available during the festival are roasted pork, herbal chicken roulade, butternut squash roulade, as well as many other food items which are associated with Mal- ta such as dates, pies, krus- tini, honey, honey rings and cheeselets. High quality local wine and draft beer will also be available. The Valletta Local Food Fes- tival is supported by the Malta Tourism Authority. For more information about The Vallet- ta Local Food Festival visit the Valletta Cultural Agency web- site or Facebook page.