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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 MARCH 2024 2 CULTURE Book review A novel on the mysteries of a Maltese migrant daughter BINT l-Emigrant is the title of a new novel by Charles Buttigieg, just published by Horizons. Like previous novels from the pen of the same author, the roots of this fictional sto- ry are in his experience in various sectors of life, this time round in the long years he spent working in the field of migration. The main character of the new story is the USA-born daughter of a Maltese emigrant, who finds herself in the middle of a series of strange, strenuous and breath-taking ep- isodes in America as well as in Malta. Her childhood is a happy one. Indeed, all remains well until her family is hit by a very sad event that initiates a very ugly experience that turns her life upside down. Totally un- predictably, she finds herself facing a series of hidden agendas, schemes and lies of a woman who knows no scruples. In the core of the story there is also the presence of a boy, a beautiful and valuable painting hidden in a secret place, a tragic and mysterious death, a secret will, a DNA cer- tificate, a prisoner hiding a big secret, stolen jewels that nobody knows where they could be other than whoever hid them, and a confi- dential letter of a crucial nature to help start solving the intrigues. The young woman finds herself facing po- lice officers, lawyers, a priest, a millionaire couple, investigators and a banker. She also encounters a Maltese young man who be- comes attracted to her. Surrounded by all the strange or troubling events she has to deal with, often presenting very straining situations, she needs to show will-power, patience, wisdom and courage. As in the other novels written by Charles Buttigieg, also in this story the reader meets the lawyer who is the main character of his first novel, Michael, which has also been published by Horizons. Bint l-Emigrant Charles Buttigieg Horizons, 2024 Maltabiennale.art presents a spectacular array of pavilions: A collective cultural celebration! As the doors swing open to reveal the wonders with- in, the much-anticipated maltabiennale.art proud- ly announces the grand opening of its diverse and captivating pavilions, set to mesmerize visitors from around the globe. Alongside the Main Pavilion, several national and thematic pavilions spotlight distinct themes, showcas- ing the rich spectrum of creative expression of artists from diverse backgrounds. From the vibrant streets of Valletta to the picturesque sea views of Cottonera, these pavilions take their visi- tors on a delightfully enlightening journey across var- ious key historical sites, exploring, questioning, and re-inventing concepts and stories along the way. At MUŻA – Malta's National Community Art Mu- seum, the Malta Pavilion explores the different narra- tives which exist within our archipelago, confirming some as findings and others as fantasies. A stroll down to the National Museum of Archaeolo- gy, promises a captivating journey through the timeless essence of human creativity in the Serbian Pavillion, a zooming-in on experiences shared by the seeming- ly unconnected Korean and Maltese societies, andthe sparking of critical discourse on the ethical dimensions of reproductive technology through visceral artistry. In the majestic Fort St Elmo, the Austrian pavilion offers a create a transformative experience inspiring introspection, empathy, and a commitment to shap- ing a more inclusive and compassionate future. The Franco-German Pavilion initiates a dialogue with the sea, uncovering the old secrets held within its salt's crystals, whilst the Chinese Pavilion breathes life in- to texts and images, and 'Other Geographies, Other Stories' poses the question of whether we can forge a new world with a different order, inviting a 'herstori- cal' viewpoint. Across the Grand Harbour's azure waves, in Fort St Angelo, the Sea Pavilion skilfully plays with Malta's seaborn identity. In Birgu too, at the Inquisitor's Pal- ace, the Sicilian Piazza Armerina Pavilion studies new forms of balance between man and nature, in a mosa- ic-fashion. Villa Portelli in Kalkara lends its charming ambience as canvas for four more national Pavilions – Ukraine, Italy, Spain and Poland, exploring the complex narra- tives of decolonisation and shared imperial pasts, the dynamics of inclusion through marginal spaces, the concept of identity in a multiple and plural dimension, and the key biblical story of St. John and his death at the request of Salome, recontextualising it through a contemporary lens. The maltabiennale.art invites you to experience the magic of its pavilions and embark on a journey of dis- covery that will linger in your heart and mind long after. You can discover more on each of maltabiennale.art's pavilions by visiting this page: https://maltabiennale. art/pavilions/ Top: Ukraine National Pavilion, below: Poland National Pavilion