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Tlettax
Thriller Written in Maltese:
Mil-ftit dawl li beda dieħel mit-tieqa, John seta’ jara lil William riqed, nofsu mikxuf.
Dik l-għodwa xi ħapa ma kinitx f’lokha! John resaq lejn sieħbu, ċaqalqu, u ma kienx hemm reazzjoni. Sejjaħ għall-għajnuna u gwardjan ġie jgħaġġel jiftaħ il-bieb taċ-ċella…
Mil-ftit dawl li beda dieħel mit-tieqa, John seta’ jara lil William riqed, nofsu mikxuf.
Dik l-għodwa xi ħapa ma kinitx f’lokha! John resaq lejn sieħbu, ċaqalqu, u ma kienx hemm reazzjoni. Sejjaħ għall-għajnuna u gwardjan ġie jgħaġġel jiftaħ il-bieb taċ-ċella…
364 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 23, 2020
A Masterpiece Revisited, Personal Reconnection
I first read Tlettax in 2021, and at the time I found it intriguing. But it was only during a recent hospital stay a few months ago that I decided to revisit the novel, and this second reading brought with it a deeper appreciation. In those quiet, uncertain moments, the book became more than just a companion. I saw the author’s precision, restraint, and detail in an entirely new light. The brilliance of the story truly shines through on the second reading.
Plot and Setting
The story is set inside a psychiatric prison called Belwyth, a fictional institution that could be located anywhere. This lack of a defined geographic context makes the story feel universal. What matters here is not the country, but the condition of the characters and the system they live in.
We follow the character of William Shaw, a former war photographer now imprisoned, but with no clear indication of whether he is a criminal or a deeply traumatised man. His psychological state becomes the reader’s lens through which the narrative unfolds, always uncertain, always shifting.
Themes and Depth
Tlettax does not shy away from difficult subject matter. The novel explores prison systems, psychological trauma, moral ambiguity, poverty, and the lingering impact of war. Through William and the other inmates, the story opens a dialogue about mental health, emotional damage, and the failures of both justice and medicine to truly address complex human behaviour.
What is particularly impressive is how well researched and sensitively presented these issues are. The narrative never exploits trauma for effect. Instead, it patiently builds each layer of pain, confusion, and vulnerability, revealing the humanity beneath.
Narrative Style
The chapters are exceptionally short, often no longer than two or three pages. This makes the reading experience fast-paced and immersive. Every section leaves you wanting more, and it becomes difficult to put the book down. The style suits the fragmented state of the protagonist’s mind and reflects the fractured reality of life inside Belwyth.
Despite the brevity of the chapters, the writing is never shallow. Every moment feels deliberate. The medical and psychological details are precise, but never overly technical. The prose strikes a rare balance between clinical detachment and emotional intensity.
Characterisation
William Shaw is one of the most complex and ambiguous characters which kept me wanting more. At times he seems sane and controlled, at others broken beyond repair. He is a man shaped by what he has seen behind a camera lens, covering some of the world’s most harrowing wars. coupled by other experiences, relationships and troubles life brings with it.
The secondary characters, and fellow inmates, are also well-drawn. They are not merely supporting roles, but essential components in the chaotic world William inhabits. Each one adds to the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
Conclusion and Impact
The final note of brilliance in Tlettax comes with the title itself. You will not understand its true significance until you reach the last few chapters.
It is unfortunate that some online commenters have dismissed this book, often with unfounded negativity aimed at new or emerging writers. These voices are not worth entertaining. Tlettax is an exceptional work of Maltese fiction, crafted with care and insight, and should be celebrated for what it is a daring and intelligent novel that both challenges and rewards the reader.
I first read Tlettax in 2021, and at the time I found it intriguing. But it was only during a recent hospital stay a few months ago that I decided to revisit the novel, and this second reading brought with it a deeper appreciation. In those quiet, uncertain moments, the book became more than just a companion. I saw the author’s precision, restraint, and detail in an entirely new light. The brilliance of the story truly shines through on the second reading.
Plot and Setting
The story is set inside a psychiatric prison called Belwyth, a fictional institution that could be located anywhere. This lack of a defined geographic context makes the story feel universal. What matters here is not the country, but the condition of the characters and the system they live in.
We follow the character of William Shaw, a former war photographer now imprisoned, but with no clear indication of whether he is a criminal or a deeply traumatised man. His psychological state becomes the reader’s lens through which the narrative unfolds, always uncertain, always shifting.
Themes and Depth
Tlettax does not shy away from difficult subject matter. The novel explores prison systems, psychological trauma, moral ambiguity, poverty, and the lingering impact of war. Through William and the other inmates, the story opens a dialogue about mental health, emotional damage, and the failures of both justice and medicine to truly address complex human behaviour.
What is particularly impressive is how well researched and sensitively presented these issues are. The narrative never exploits trauma for effect. Instead, it patiently builds each layer of pain, confusion, and vulnerability, revealing the humanity beneath.
Narrative Style
The chapters are exceptionally short, often no longer than two or three pages. This makes the reading experience fast-paced and immersive. Every section leaves you wanting more, and it becomes difficult to put the book down. The style suits the fragmented state of the protagonist’s mind and reflects the fractured reality of life inside Belwyth.
Despite the brevity of the chapters, the writing is never shallow. Every moment feels deliberate. The medical and psychological details are precise, but never overly technical. The prose strikes a rare balance between clinical detachment and emotional intensity.
Characterisation
William Shaw is one of the most complex and ambiguous characters which kept me wanting more. At times he seems sane and controlled, at others broken beyond repair. He is a man shaped by what he has seen behind a camera lens, covering some of the world’s most harrowing wars. coupled by other experiences, relationships and troubles life brings with it.
The secondary characters, and fellow inmates, are also well-drawn. They are not merely supporting roles, but essential components in the chaotic world William inhabits. Each one adds to the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
Conclusion and Impact
The final note of brilliance in Tlettax comes with the title itself. You will not understand its true significance until you reach the last few chapters.
It is unfortunate that some online commenters have dismissed this book, often with unfounded negativity aimed at new or emerging writers. These voices are not worth entertaining. Tlettax is an exceptional work of Maltese fiction, crafted with care and insight, and should be celebrated for what it is a daring and intelligent novel that both challenges and rewards the reader.
September 1, 2025
Tlettax is a masterfully crafted thriller that stands out for its meticulous research and vivid detail. Kenneth Caruana paints a compelling narrative that immerses the reader in every scene, making the tension palpable and the stakes real. The story unfolds with precision, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, an incredible twist turns everything on its head. A must-read for fans of intelligent suspense and Maltese literature.
September 25, 2021
I'm glad that local authors are tackling important topics like mental health, and I'm also a fan of prison dramas. This novel combines the two. It was the first book by Caruana that I ever picked up.
Unfortunately it was a disappointment. The medical parts will probably make anyone who has worked in healthcare cringe. At times it felt like just a list of mental health problems, dropped in one at a time. I have no experience of prisons, but the prison parts all seem like the usual cliches we see on the big screen.
The book is much longer than it needed to be, with awkward exposition passages coming out of nowhere and too many side characters to keep any sort of flow to the central story. The plot only really gets going 300 pages in, and then feels rushed. The ending (and the explanation of the book title) was too little, too late.
There are also many, many exclamation marks in the book, but I guess whether that bothers you or not comes down to personal taste.
The story idea at the centre of this novel is a good one, which is why I was disappointed with the way it was handled.
Unfortunately it was a disappointment. The medical parts will probably make anyone who has worked in healthcare cringe. At times it felt like just a list of mental health problems, dropped in one at a time. I have no experience of prisons, but the prison parts all seem like the usual cliches we see on the big screen.
The book is much longer than it needed to be, with awkward exposition passages coming out of nowhere and too many side characters to keep any sort of flow to the central story. The plot only really gets going 300 pages in, and then feels rushed. The ending (and the explanation of the book title) was too little, too late.
There are also many, many exclamation marks in the book, but I guess whether that bothers you or not comes down to personal taste.
The story idea at the centre of this novel is a good one, which is why I was disappointed with the way it was handled.
August 8, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book so much it was as if I was seeing the story develop on screen. I couldn't put it down.
September 4, 2025
In my opinion the book is brilliant and a very good read with a wonderful story. A well researched book with an incredible ending. Definitely I recommend it.
September 17, 2025
This book has a very interesting story. It is a must read for anyone, because it keeps you on the edge to continue reading and see how the story ends.
October 12, 2025
A very good read indeed with an intriguing story. Brilliantly written. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews