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M
"And I was a god, but only in my bedroom and when I had the pen in my hand. That night, rain tapping at my window, my pyjamas were chafing and I felt unsafe and in love and as powerless as a human."
Damian Theuma believes he is the best writer of his generation; he's on the cusp of completing the novel that perfectly captures his home country: Malta.
He assembles a group of like-minded writers with the sole purpose of sabotaging their work, but this terrible ambition gets complicated when he falls in love with one of them.
M is David Samuel Hudson's novel debut. It is a story about identity and aspiration and about the elusive island of Malta.
Damian Theuma believes he is the best writer of his generation; he's on the cusp of completing the novel that perfectly captures his home country: Malta.
He assembles a group of like-minded writers with the sole purpose of sabotaging their work, but this terrible ambition gets complicated when he falls in love with one of them.
M is David Samuel Hudson's novel debut. It is a story about identity and aspiration and about the elusive island of Malta.
202 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 10, 2025
Hemm.
Hemm fejn? M is for Malta, for median. M is for mediocre. And M is for me.
Malta and mediocrity are two things that aspiring young author Damian Theuma dislikes. To be more precise, in the case of “Malta”, it’s more of a “love-hate” complex for Damian. His dream is, after all, that of writing the Great Maltese Novel. He wants to write it in English, the language he feels comfortable using. But how does one go about expressing the Maltese experience and identity in a different/foreign medium, even though it is, officially, one of the country’s official languages?
David is obsessed about this – and many other – questions about writing. After all, this is his passion, his reason for living. He wants to write a work which transcends the general mediocrity of even the most lauded local authors. And so he sets up a group of like-minded (although probably not-as-intense) budding writers, who meet to compare notes and ponder these literary dilemmas. They discuss character, setting and the question most central to the book – can a Maltese author write about Malta in English? In a meta-fictional twist, these discussions then shape the narrative itself. Thus, M, which is a novel in English, set in Malta and about Maltese characters, intersperses the core English narrative with passages and dialogue in Maltese. Although this switch to Maltese is sparingly used, it is certainly not limited just to the occasional swearword (rather cringily providing some local colour), but also extends to key phrases.
M is, in this respect, a literary experiment which tackles concerns about Maltese identity and experience and how this can be expressed through writing. And it is an experiment which works. M is written in idiomatic English, yet its Maltese passages also ring true. On occasion, it reminded me of Is-Sriep Reġgħu Saru Velenużi in which Alex Vella Gera also explores the Maltese/English-speaking dichotomy in the context of the local identity. Sriep, however, is more interested in how this dichotomy reflects class, social and political issues, whereas M’s focus is more specifically on the literary expression of the Maltese identity.
In an acknowledgments section at the end of the novel, David Samuel Hudson takes pains to point out that Damian is not an autobiographical figure. Yet, it’s very tempting to consider the protagonist of his debut novel as, at least in certain respects, the author's alter ego, particularly since Hudson quite clearly shares some of Damian’s pet hates – not least the mediocrity and pettiness of the local literary scene. It is also clear that Hudson has a soft spot for Damian: despite being insufferable at times, Damian is portrayed in a nuanced, and generally positive manner.
Indeed, what I liked about M is that it is not just a novel of (literary) ideas, but also a touching coming-of-age story centred around its protagonist. While both Damian (and the novel in which he features) obsess about books and writing, Damian also grows as a character, mends his relationship with his distant father, and ultimately discovers love – an experience which he finds liberating, both as an author, and at a more basic level, as a human being. This is, admittedly, not a very original theme but it does gives a satisfying narrative arc to what could have otherwise turned out to be a dry philosophical novel.
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
Hemm fejn? M is for Malta, for median. M is for mediocre. And M is for me.
Malta and mediocrity are two things that aspiring young author Damian Theuma dislikes. To be more precise, in the case of “Malta”, it’s more of a “love-hate” complex for Damian. His dream is, after all, that of writing the Great Maltese Novel. He wants to write it in English, the language he feels comfortable using. But how does one go about expressing the Maltese experience and identity in a different/foreign medium, even though it is, officially, one of the country’s official languages?
David is obsessed about this – and many other – questions about writing. After all, this is his passion, his reason for living. He wants to write a work which transcends the general mediocrity of even the most lauded local authors. And so he sets up a group of like-minded (although probably not-as-intense) budding writers, who meet to compare notes and ponder these literary dilemmas. They discuss character, setting and the question most central to the book – can a Maltese author write about Malta in English? In a meta-fictional twist, these discussions then shape the narrative itself. Thus, M, which is a novel in English, set in Malta and about Maltese characters, intersperses the core English narrative with passages and dialogue in Maltese. Although this switch to Maltese is sparingly used, it is certainly not limited just to the occasional swearword (rather cringily providing some local colour), but also extends to key phrases.
M is, in this respect, a literary experiment which tackles concerns about Maltese identity and experience and how this can be expressed through writing. And it is an experiment which works. M is written in idiomatic English, yet its Maltese passages also ring true. On occasion, it reminded me of Is-Sriep Reġgħu Saru Velenużi in which Alex Vella Gera also explores the Maltese/English-speaking dichotomy in the context of the local identity. Sriep, however, is more interested in how this dichotomy reflects class, social and political issues, whereas M’s focus is more specifically on the literary expression of the Maltese identity.
In an acknowledgments section at the end of the novel, David Samuel Hudson takes pains to point out that Damian is not an autobiographical figure. Yet, it’s very tempting to consider the protagonist of his debut novel as, at least in certain respects, the author's alter ego, particularly since Hudson quite clearly shares some of Damian’s pet hates – not least the mediocrity and pettiness of the local literary scene. It is also clear that Hudson has a soft spot for Damian: despite being insufferable at times, Damian is portrayed in a nuanced, and generally positive manner.
Indeed, what I liked about M is that it is not just a novel of (literary) ideas, but also a touching coming-of-age story centred around its protagonist. While both Damian (and the novel in which he features) obsess about books and writing, Damian also grows as a character, mends his relationship with his distant father, and ultimately discovers love – an experience which he finds liberating, both as an author, and at a more basic level, as a human being. This is, admittedly, not a very original theme but it does gives a satisfying narrative arc to what could have otherwise turned out to be a dry philosophical novel.
https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/20...
March 4, 2024
This was one of the most relatable books I've read in quite some time. I love the self-referentiality and the intertextuality. There is the obvious pride this read elicits in bilingual readers which too is fantastic. I appreciate how Hudson uses this story both to indicate the negative aspects of the literary society in Malta and yet how the protagonist Damian creates a group for Maltese writers who write in English in order to pry ideas from them. The way the chapters are titled is extremely creative as the story, while of course being a story for its readers, is also a process of how one should write a story and what not to leave out. M for mediocre and for Malta is rather unpatriotic but simultaneously the sad truth that most are not ready to hear. This mainly brought up the general idea of why one should write in English in Malta while being written in English itself. A great experiment that also hinges on the postmodernist.
What perhaps fascinated me most about this read is the concept of identity. Damian never truly managed to find his own yet there is a lot of truth in what he's told by a friend that one does not have to be absolutist in order to be right. One can view an argument from both perspectives and agree with both or find some truth in both sides. As a student at university who is following an English course and is also extremely interested in the concept of creative writing, this filled me with hope regarding getting my work published and how the goal is to never stop writing regardless of what you're putting out there which is a theme that can be applied to a lot of ambitions. I'm not certain why Hudson decided to end this on such a sad note considering the build up to the relationship between Damian and Valeria, extremely cool name btw
While the author states that this is by no means autobiographical, I find it hard to believe as there's too much truth in it, an element which I of course appreciate, and I think is one of several indicators of a great writer. I look forward to reading more by this writer and to follow in his footsteps.
Some questions for the author,
1, Your characters are not all fleshed out equally despite more or less having the same prominence, why is that?
2, Does your own voice resonate in some of your characters' voices?
3, When writing this book, were you more looking forward to speaking about the issues with society in Malta, or with helping writers learn to believe in themselves?
4, Although the story does bring up several mental and social issues, all with their consequences of course, the language seems to be very sensitive towards the subject. What target audience did you have in mind?
5, Were there any restrictions placed upon you as an author regarding speaking your mind and shedding light on certain aspects which could be frowned upon?
6, Do you intend to publish the same story but with the Maltese phrases used translated to English or would that defeat the whole purpose of your work?
7, Who are your favourite writers and what in their works inspired you to become an author yourself?
What perhaps fascinated me most about this read is the concept of identity. Damian never truly managed to find his own yet there is a lot of truth in what he's told by a friend that one does not have to be absolutist in order to be right. One can view an argument from both perspectives and agree with both or find some truth in both sides. As a student at university who is following an English course and is also extremely interested in the concept of creative writing, this filled me with hope regarding getting my work published and how the goal is to never stop writing regardless of what you're putting out there which is a theme that can be applied to a lot of ambitions. I'm not certain why Hudson decided to end this on such a sad note considering the build up to the relationship between Damian and Valeria, extremely cool name btw
While the author states that this is by no means autobiographical, I find it hard to believe as there's too much truth in it, an element which I of course appreciate, and I think is one of several indicators of a great writer. I look forward to reading more by this writer and to follow in his footsteps.
Some questions for the author,
1, Your characters are not all fleshed out equally despite more or less having the same prominence, why is that?
2, Does your own voice resonate in some of your characters' voices?
3, When writing this book, were you more looking forward to speaking about the issues with society in Malta, or with helping writers learn to believe in themselves?
4, Although the story does bring up several mental and social issues, all with their consequences of course, the language seems to be very sensitive towards the subject. What target audience did you have in mind?
5, Were there any restrictions placed upon you as an author regarding speaking your mind and shedding light on certain aspects which could be frowned upon?
6, Do you intend to publish the same story but with the Maltese phrases used translated to English or would that defeat the whole purpose of your work?
7, Who are your favourite writers and what in their works inspired you to become an author yourself?
July 29, 2025
I bought this book on a week end break to Valletta, Malta in the desire to discover a local writer. I found this book to be a good coming of age story and I enjoyed reading about the troubled relationship he has with Malta. At the beginning I found the writing a little bit simplist but it grew on me because the book exhibits bits of very good, poetic writing. I liked the bilingual dialog, made me curious to read a bit about Maltese. It looks like a peculiar language. So yeah, if you are interested in discovering a writer who is not from the traditional USA-UK-Canada axis, then I would go for this book.
February 1, 2025
Only one my favorite moment of this book:
‘You’re quiet,’ he said after a while. ‘Trid yoghurt?’
He pulled out a Monte cup and I told him that it was pudding, not yoghurt.
‘What’s the difference?’ he asked.
‘Yoghurt is fermented milk. Pudding is—I don’t know what pudding is, but it’s a dessert.’
‘Yoghurt can be a dessert.’
‘You’re quiet,’ he said after a while. ‘Trid yoghurt?’
He pulled out a Monte cup and I told him that it was pudding, not yoghurt.
‘What’s the difference?’ he asked.
‘Yoghurt is fermented milk. Pudding is—I don’t know what pudding is, but it’s a dessert.’
‘Yoghurt can be a dessert.’
July 31, 2025
it felt so comforting yet strange to read a book about malta
”I can write about Malta — its scorch and long summers, the cars with their hazards on because the drivers stopped for cheesecakes, the swarm of loud shoppers, the Virgin Marys on the T-shirts of village feast fiends, the church bells, the potholes of politics —”
damn, that one line reminded me of so many happy memories in malta, it made me want to put my own virgin mary shirt on and buy a plane ticket back there
”I can write about Malta — its scorch and long summers, the cars with their hazards on because the drivers stopped for cheesecakes, the swarm of loud shoppers, the Virgin Marys on the T-shirts of village feast fiends, the church bells, the potholes of politics —”
damn, that one line reminded me of so many happy memories in malta, it made me want to put my own virgin mary shirt on and buy a plane ticket back there
May 17, 2024
Hudson sure knows how to create atmosphere through his writing. The scenes of Valletta in the rain comforted me, made me feel nostalgic, yet also made me feel at home.
The author has managed to create a style of his own, that juggles in its identity between Maltese and yet, not quite Maltese - just like the protagonist of the book. Local books, even the best written ones, always have a certain Maltese feel to them. You can tell they're written by a Maltese author. It is obviously not a bad thing - all countries have a certain literary movement or style to them. However, it is commendable when an author creates a certain style of his own.
The language of the book - English - also feels natural, yet it doesn't take away from this being a Maltese book.
The author has managed to create a style of his own, that juggles in its identity between Maltese and yet, not quite Maltese - just like the protagonist of the book. Local books, even the best written ones, always have a certain Maltese feel to them. You can tell they're written by a Maltese author. It is obviously not a bad thing - all countries have a certain literary movement or style to them. However, it is commendable when an author creates a certain style of his own.
The language of the book - English - also feels natural, yet it doesn't take away from this being a Maltese book.
March 6, 2025
Samuel Hudson's debut novel 'M' is an adequate depiction of the Maltese experience. The love-hate relationship many of us have with the country, as well as our feelings of belonging (or lack thereof) which floats awkwardly in someplace neither at the surface nor at the bottom, is accurately portrayed by the author. An important read for Maltese people and those who wish to understand our experience.
June 30, 2024
M is a simple yet beautiful story. It is well written and I found myself wanting to read more every time I could. It is about identity, our little island of Malta and as real and true a story as our own anxieties and social awkwardness. I found I understood the characters, especially the narrator, who managed to capture how I sometimes feel in beautifully written words. I enjoyed it a lot and cannot wait for this new writer's next work. Well done. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews