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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 JUNE 2025 3 ART & BOOKS Maximus: An insightful mirror of contemporary Malta Book review This review was written by Dr Alfred Grech Appreciation MAXIMUS, co-authored by Alfred Massa and Lara Ellul Pirotta and pub- lished by Horizons (309 pages), is a vivid and relatable portrait of contem- porary Maltese life. The novel stands out for its layered exploration of mar- riage, family dynamics, and societal pressures. Through the character of Stephan (nicknamed Maximus) and his complicated relationship with his wife Veronika, the authors effectively capture the subtle tensions and emo- tional undercurrents that define mod- ern relationships. The strength of Maximus lies in its believable characters and realistic sit- uations. The emotional struggles of Marika and Alex, the couple's chil- dren, reflect the experiences of many young people in Malta today, lending the novel both authenticity and rele- vance. Readers will appreciate how the story moves naturally between humor and sadness, mirroring life's unpre- dictability. The authors use interpersonal con- flict as a clever narrative tool, keeping readers invested through twists, mis- understandings, and even mysterious elements — such as the enigmatic woman dressed in red. This intriguing thread adds an extra layer of suspense and curiosity, culminating in a sur- prising and satisfying ending. Stylis- tically, Massa and Ellul Pirotta adopt a clear, accessible prose style that in- vites readers into the characters' lives without unnecessary complication. The use of familiar Maltese settings further grounds the story, making it relatable to a wide local audience. Criticism While Maximus succeeds on many fronts, there are areas where the nov- el could have been strengthened. At times, the complex web of interper- sonal relationships risks overwhelm- ing the main storyline. Some readers might feel that certain subplots, while interesting, are slightly underdevel- oped or left hanging without full resolu- tion. Additionally, Ve- ronika's transfor- mation from a suspicious wife to someone seeking revenge, though dramatically com- pelling, might have benefited from deeper psycholog- ical exploration to make her motiva- tions even more convincing and impactful. There is also the challenge of pacing: while the surpris- es and emotional shifts keep the nar- rative lively, occasional scenes might feel slightly rushed, especially towards the ending where multiple revelations occur in quick succession. Nonetheless, these are minor cri- tiques compared to the overall achievement of the novel. The blend- ing of humor, sorrow, mystery, and daily life makes Max- imus an engaging and thought-pro- voking read. Conclusion In Maximus, Al- fred Massa and Lara Ellul Pirotta have crafted a novel that captures the spirit of contemporary Mal- ta with warmth, wit, and emotional hones- ty. It is a story of love, betrayal, family, and redemption — with enough surprises to keep readers turning the pages eagerly. Despite minor flaws in pacing and subplot development, Maximus remains a strong and mem- orable contribution to modern Mal- tese literature. Family ties and betrayal in Maximus by Alfred Massa and Lana Ellul Pirotta We Are Both Obsolete at the Malta Society of Arts THE Malta Society of Arts (MSA) presents We Are Both Obsolete, a new media exhi- bition by experimental media collective DOC Studio, opening on 29 May 2025 at Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta. Through eight multidisciplinary works spanning interactive installation, genera- tive video, sound, and sculptural assem- blage, the exhibition explores the parallel obsolescence of machines and people in the digital age. From algorithmic burnout to e-waste aesthetics, We Are Both Obso- lete examines what it means to live in sys- tems designed to fail. "This exhibition emerged from the qui- et violence of technological acceleration," says Jamie Barbara of DOC Studio. "We wanted to explore how not only devic- es, but entire ways of being, thinking, and working, are discarded in the name of pro- gress. It's a shared disposability, engineered by design." DOC Studio is an experimental media collective exploring the overlaps between digital systems and physical space. Their output spans interactive installations, generative 3D worlds, and spatial audio environments grounded in technical ex- perimentation and play. From responsive sculptures to dream-like environments and layered soundscapes, their work invites exploration through shifting modes of per- ception. Each piece in the exhibition offers a distinct reflection on technological de- cay—ranging from corrupted systems and nostalgic interfaces to sculptural reinter- pretations of e-waste. Much of the work began with outdated or broken compo- nents, letting their constraints shape new forms. MSA President Arch. Adrian Mamo ex- presses pride in hosting such a thought-pro- voking exhibition. "DOC Studio is tackling themes we all live with – planned obsolescence, fractured focus, digital burnout," he says. "This is a forward-looking show that feels very of-the-moment, and the MSA is proud to provide a platform for artists engaging so boldly with the challenges of our time." We Are Both Obsolete runs from 29 May to 26 June 2025 at the Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Val- letta. Entrance is free. For opening hours and further details, visit www.artsmalta. org/events or follow the MSA on Facebook.