Photo: Dr David Aloisio addressing guests at the book launch held in St Julian’s
A new historical novel written by academic Charles Xuereb, entitled Bellilote u l-Bjar ta’ Napuljun, published by Klabb Kotba Maltin, was recently launched with an original twist during the inauguration of a quant square in St Julian’s, connected with the watering of several ships of General Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet on its way to Egypt in 1798.
The square, which was inaugurated by the Mayor of St Julian’s Local Council, Guido Dalli on behalf of all the members of the council, is now called Wesgħet il-Bjar ta’ Napuljun and is only a stone’s throw away from Spinola.
The wells, belonging to the Order of the Knights, used to collect rain water coming down from Ta’ Giorni. Amazingly, neighbours kept referring to the locality as Fuq il-Bjar ta’ Napuljun for more than two centuries.
This historical connection with the locality was exploited by Dr Charles Xuereb not only to propose the name change of the square but also to write a thrilling modern novel, entitled Bellilote u l-Bjar ta’ Napuljun, lacing past events with a modern fictious account featuring the real-life character Bellilote.
In his address to the guesting attending the launch, Dr David Aloisio, another academic, said that Xuereb’s novel was more than just historical. Its pertinence to the present includes strong messages on the Malta’s heritage, the environment and reflections on Maltese identity.
The gathering was also addressed by Joseph Mizzi, director KKM, the mayor and Renaud Lallement, cultural counsellor of the Embassy of France in Malta.
