Malta’s Donna Marie Attard Wins Commonwealth Short Story Prize
Malta’s Own: A Tale of Two Continents
Imagine this: a young Maltese writer, tucked away in their Rabat apartment, penning a short story that not only captures the essence of their island home but also resonates across the Atlantic. That’s precisely what happened when Donna Marie Attard, a name you’ll want to remember, won the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize for Canada and Europe.
From Rabat to the World
Attard, a 28-year-old with a degree in English and Drama from the University of Malta, has always been a storyteller at heart. Her winning piece, titled The Last Time I Saw You, is a poignant tale of love, loss, and longing, set against the backdrop of Malta’s unique culture and history. The story follows a young woman grappling with her grandmother’s dementia, and the memories that slip away like sand through an hourglass.
Attard’s words paint a vivid picture of Malta, from the bustling streets of Valletta to the quiet corners of Gozo. Yet, her story transcends our little island, touching the hearts of judges and readers alike in Canada, the UK, and beyond. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, connecting us across continents and cultures.
Malta on the Literary Map
Attard’s win is more than just a personal achievement. It puts Malta firmly on the literary map, joining the ranks of other Commonwealth countries that have produced prize-winning writers. It’s a reminder that our stories, our experiences, and our voices matter.
But Attard’s success also raises questions. Why are we not hearing more Maltese voices in international literary circles? Why are our stories not being told more widely? And how can we, as a community, support and nurture our local talent?
These are questions that deserve answers, and they’re ones that we at Hot Malta will be exploring in the coming weeks. For now, though, let’s take a moment to celebrate Donna Marie Attard’s incredible achievement. Let’s celebrate the power of her words, the beauty of her storytelling, and the fact that she’s shown the world that Malta has a story to tell.
As Attard herself says, “Winning this prize is a dream come true. It’s a validation of my belief in the power of storytelling, and a testament to the fact that our Maltese stories deserve to be heard.”
