Immanuel’s Gentle Touch of Melancholy and Redemption
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Loading... - Conrad Cuma
- 18 Mar 2025
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Some books are fascinating and magical, others interesting and thought-provoking, but only a few manage to touch something deep within our frail material existence. Immanuel Mifsud’s unpretentious novels belong to the latter category, resonating with readers on a profound emotional level.
Mifsud’s writing is imbued with a gentle melancholy that creates a deep ache, a sensation that lingers in the stomach, reminiscent of the floating boulder in René Magritte’s The Castle of the Pyrenees. This unique blend of lightness and weight evokes a complex emotional landscape that invites readers to explore their own feelings of existence.
When I first approached Mifsud’s work, I felt a sense of reluctance, fearing that his signature melancholy might trigger my anxieties. The title of his book, Filli ma tkun Xejn, Filli tidħol fl-Eżistenza—derived from a papal sermon—suggested existential angst. However, the alternative title, Marzu, April, Mejju, signified optimism, hinting at the duality of the human experience.
As I delved into the narrative, I found that my initial apprehensions were not unfounded. The melancholy evoked by images of rows of trees, early morning trains, and foggy memories of a distant Malta accentuated a sense of longing and introspection. The protagonist, Edgar, narrates his journey through a lens of selective memories, suggesting that our existence is merely a curated collection of experiences that shape our identities.
Edgar grapples with the precariousness of romantic and sexual relationships, a phenomenon sociologist Zygmunt Bauman terms “liquid love.” This instability is further complicated by the WhatsApp messages he exchanges with two women, reflecting the complexities of modern relationships. Rooted in his routines, Edgar struggles to comprehend how one can share a life with the same person for twenty years—a question that resonates with many.
However, the most intriguing aspect of the novel lies in Edgar’s discovery of intimate secrets—not only his own but also those of his parents. As his mother approaches death, she confesses her past infidelity, prompting a generational dialogue that unfolds within a triangle involving Edgar, his mother, and Astrid, his new love interest. This exploration of familial relationships is particularly relevant in an aging society, where the old age of one generation coincides with the midlife crises of another.
Mifsud’s narrative raises important questions about the burden of secrets between parents and children. As a father, I find this topic particularly challenging. Should parents share their intimate life narratives with their children, or is this information a burden? The novel compels readers to reflect on the secrets that often lie hidden between generations and the true nature of our understanding of those closest to us.
In moving away from a sanitized portrayal of family life as a refuge, Mifsud reveals a world where secrets lurk in every corner. These secrets, however, are not necessarily abhorrent; they are simply part of the human experience, making us all too human. The novel becomes a confessional space, offering a hopeful sense of redemption. Astrid, a divorced foreigner with no roots in Malta, plays a pivotal role in this journey. Her innocent question to Edgar—whether trees make “nam nam” (their euphemism for intercourse)—serves as a liberating moment, breaking free from the constraints of Catholic and patriarchal guilt.
Moreover, the novel presents a refreshing depiction of older individuals adapting to modern times, showcasing a compassionate humanity that envelops the relationship between Astrid and Edgar’s mother. Mifsud portrays a nuanced view of womanhood, moving beyond cultural stereotypes that dichotomize the sexualized whore and the de-sexualized mother. The women in the book possess sexual desires, yearn for romantic connections, and sometimes aspire to be housewives in a contemporary world, as Astrid wishes—much to Edgar’s consternation.
Ultimately, the novel serves as a reflection on monogamy and an invitation to honesty. Infidelity is not depicted as the ultimate betrayal but rather as a challenging aspect of the human condition that does not necessarily negate lifelong companionship. Mifsud’s work encourages readers to embrace the complexities of relationships and the multifaceted nature of love, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and those we hold dear.
In conclusion, Immanuel Mifsud’s novels resonate with a gentle touch of melancholy and redemption, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of human relationships and the secrets that shape our lives. Through Edgar’s journey, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of existence, encouraging us to confront our own narratives with honesty and compassion.
