Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/501315
XV maltatoday, Sunday, 26 april 2015 This Week Fates intertwine with dark turns Horizons has just published Alex- andra, the third book by Vincent Scerri. The story is set in Spain in the early 60s. Milenco had the world in his hands. He was the heir of Bar- celona's Diego Garcia Depart- ment Stores, one of the biggest in Spain. But though he enjoyed all the trappings of wealth, a life-def ying accident marred his chances at happiness, as a near-fatal accident on a plane he was piloting leaves him hanging on to life by a thread. Owing to a splintered piece of bone lodged into his skull, surgeons inform him that his chances of survival are fifty-fifty – should this piece of bone shift even slightly, he would be dead. Alexandra is a young, inexperi- enced peasant girl, coming from a down-to-earth family from one of the remote rural villages of Spain. Little did she know the meaning of bright lights of a metropolitan city – not even in her dreams. Her only aim in life was to find a loving husband and to raise a family. But paths which appear to be taking a leisurely stride some- times darken into a nightmare labyrinth, and what at first seemed to be an entirely normal way of life for Alexandra sud- denly takes a dramatic turn. What triggered this sudden change? What does Alexandra's fiancé suddenly begin to look at her with disdain, leaving her confused and helpless? How do the unfortunate fates of Alexandra and Milenco inter- twine? And how can they help each other to untangle these frustrations, when they're poles apart? Both are stubborn, and both are unreasonable. Both of them are also full of spite. Scerri's previous novels include Qtil fil-Villa Bologna, featuring a Maltese detective Anglu Tonna trying to unravel the mystery of some sinister deaths; and Soru F'Xibka Ta' Mhabba – a love story of two twin sisters – one of whom is a nun and the other a prostitute – and the king who finds himself marrying the wrong one. Alexandra is published by Hori- zons, and available from leading bookshops maltatoday, Sunday, 26 april 2015 Fates intertwine with apart? Both are stubborn, and both are unreasonable. Both of Scerri's previous novels include Qtil fil-Villa Bologna, featuring a Maltese detective Anglu Tonna trying to unravel the mystery of some sinister deaths; and Soru F'Xibka Ta' Mhabba – a love story of two twin sisters – one of whom is a nun and the other a prostitute – and the king who finds himself Alexandra is published by Hori- zons, and available from leading Tackling pain and suffering with grace The book 'Her Way – Helen's Inspiration to Life', written by Ingrid Zerafa for the Action for Breast Can- cer Foundation is now available in bookshops. British-born Helen Muscat came to Malta after marry- ing psychia- trist Dr Peter Muscat. With a very solid background in nursing, Helen made a difference in Malta's healthcare pro- vision when she worked with other like-minded people to introduce Hospice in Malta. She was also in the core team that set up Zammit Clapp Hospital, where she was matron. She was also matron at St Philip's and St James private hospitals. The book documents Helen's approach to life through many testimonials. She was renowned for her charismatic character, integrity, mindfulness, and positive and practi- cal approach towards life. Because of her many connections, the book includes first-hand information from her husband Peter and insights on Helen's philosophy of life from Michelle Muscat, wife of Prime Min- ister Joseph Muscat, Kate Gonzi, wife of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Helen's numerous friends, healthcare professionals and includ- ing complementary therapists, whose advice she sought. Helen lost her battle to breast cancer in October 2013. She lived with the disease for nine years and it was during this time that Helen turned her ill-health into an opportunity to improve breast care and cancer treatment for other women in Malta. She co-founded The Breast Care Sup- port Group and later the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation where she lobbied for a free national breast screening programme, free Herceptin, an im- proved breast prosthesis and free bra for every woman who goes through a mastectomy, and facilitated the first PhD research in breast cancer at the University of Malta. The book is intended to give readers going through a challenging moment a different perspective of life. Under- standing how Helen lived, the reader gets inspired how to tackle pain and suffering, the true meaning of love for those around you and humankind in general, how to carry out your work ethically and professionally, how to fight battles gently but firmly, without ever compromising what you believe in: the truth. Helen's life examples can very well be an inspirational guide to life. Her Way is published by Horizons and can be bought from the publish- ers, BDL and leading bookshops. Proceeds from sales will be given to the Action for Breast Cancer Foundation