Set in a secondary school during the final year of exams, Miegħi Ridt Taqbad follows four students—Isaac, Henrì, Jesabelle, and Rachelle—as each navigates personal struggles that reflect the challenges many adolescents face today.
While written in an accessible, youthful tone, the story explores weighty themes such as bullying, toxic relationships, emotional manipulation, self-harm, envy, and hypocrisy. By weaving these topics into a relatable story, the novel encourages readers to confront and think critically about the emotional and social challenges they or their peers might face.
“In a world where appearance often masks truth, and where silent struggles are common, it’s crucial to bring such issues to light and open space for dialogue,” explains Portelli.
The novel tackles these difficult topics with sensitivity, offering an emotionally rich experience without being overwhelming. It keeps readers engaged through a fast-moving narrative where events unfold rapidly, creating a compelling sense of momentum, and at its core, there is a powerful message of resilience and hope.
Isaac, the central figure, endures relentless bullying from classmates like Tristan and his group. Just as he reaches his lowest point, Henrì steps in as a steady, supportive presence. Jesabelle and Rachelle also offer care and solidarity, helping Isaac feel less isolated. But then, as things seem to improve, an unexpected twist reveals a more insidious threat: someone close is manipulating him in secret. Even Henrì gets entangled in this emotional trap. What begins as a seemingly sincere connection gradually reveals itself as harmful and controlling, with consequences that ripple beyond the immediate victims.
“The chess piece on the cover—specifically the king—serves as a metaphor for a central theme in the story. Without giving too much away, there’s a female character whose actions are aimed at destabilizing the ‘king’ figure in the narrative. Just like in a game of chess, every move matters, and power dynamics shift unexpectedly. I’ll leave the rest for readers to uncover, so as not to spoil any key twists,” smiles Portelli.
“The inspiration behind the novel stems from my everyday experiences as an educator,” he continues. “My close contact with teens—listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and witnessing their resilience—provided the emotional and psychological insight that shaped this narrative.
“Working so closely with teens gives me a unique insight into their thoughts, life, and daily challenges. Sometimes, these are shared with me directly through conversations, and sometimes I simply observe them,” Portelli adds. “The seeds of each story I write are often planted by what I see in my day-to-day life.”
Of the ten books that Portelli has published so far, two are specifically written for young adults and he hopes that these novels speak their language, both literally and emotionally—that they are books teenagers can see themselves in, that offer them hope, and maybe even some answers. “I strongly believe that there’s a real need for engaging stories that they can relate to—stories that not only entertain but also reflect their world, their emotions, and the challenges they face.”
“For Miegħi Ridt Taqbad, I chose to include a number of text conversations that appear in a format resembling Messenger chat, complete with profile pictures and layout that mimics real screenshots. There were several reasons for this creative decision. First, it makes the reading experience more relatable for today’s teens, who are so accustomed to communicating via digital platforms. Second, it adds a visual layer to the storytelling, breaking up the traditional narrative and making it more dynamic. And third, it offers an intimate glimpse into the characters’ minds—their vulnerabilities, thoughts, and real-time reactions—captured in the flow of their conversations with others.”
“ I’m very much a “plotter” when it comes to writing—I like to map out every chapter and scene in detail before I begin the actual writing,” Portelli adds. “This structured approach helps me stay focused and ensures that the story remains cohesive. Of course, I do allow for flexibility, and sometimes changes happen along the way, but I always build on a strong foundation.”
And with Miegħi Ridt Taqbad, Portelli hopes not only to raise awareness but also to offer inspiration. Even when the characters are overwhelmed by despair or hardship, the story carries a message of resilience: that pain is not permanent, and better days are always possible.
“Through Miegħi Ridt Taqbad, I wanted to reassure readers that no matter how difficult the moment, there is always hope—and that every individual can find their way toward healing, growth, and brighter times ahead.”
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