Herbert Ganado’s four-volume magnum opus, Rajt Malta Tinbidel, which has been translated into English under the title My Century, has always held a special place in many people’s libraries.
A mix of autobiographical and historical retellings, this series is one that captures the lives and times of the Maltese – both the rich and the poor – from the late Victorian era (1990) all through to 1969. It’s also inspired many of our current-day authors and thinkers, including Judge Emeritus Giovanni Bonello, who spoke to us about how this book taught him life.
The detail in it is indeed incredible and mesmerising, with anecdotes about the many people Ganado, who was a lawyer, editor, politician, and author, met, worked, and interacted with in his lifetime. And the stories are always surprising, with Ganado ensuring that every tale is dealt with the gravitas it deserves – whether that’s a humorous story about a nanny or three spinster sisters, or about his experience of World War II.
The books themselves, which were published by Klabb Kotba Maltin, are getting harder and harder to come by, and the prices for them are skyrocketing, but the stories they tell are too important to be gatekept. That’s why it’s so amazing that Media.Link Communications has made their landmark audiobook adaptation of Rajt Malta Tinbidel, read by renowned actor Manuel Cauchi, available on streaming platforms, including Spotify and YouTube!
Needless to say, starting off this podcast series is a bit of a commitment as there are 80 episodes that run for approximately 25 minutes each. Even so, the Maltese used in Ganado’s book is magical and the stories are intriguing and insightful.
So, if you’re looking for a new podcast to delve into, this is one you should certainly add to your list.
