Ramon u ż-Żerbinotti

by Ġużè Stagno

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ends of the Word · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his first two novels, Nbid ta’ kuljum (Everyday wine) and Xemx wisq sabiħa (O Sun so beautiful), Stagno provided an incisive snapshot of an upcoming hedonist Maltese generation. These novels were accordingly irreverent, almost unremittingly vulgar and sexually explicit. They were also incredibly funny and eminently readable. Think of a grosser Mediterranean version of Nick Hornby or Irvine Welsh without the violence. Guze Stagno’s fourth and latest work – “What happens in Brussels stays in Brussels” follows an ill-assorted group of political party supporters as they take on the EU institutions at the invitation of a Maltese MEP of dubious competence. I read it last year, and was struck by the fact that whilst sharing some of the hallmarks of Stagno’s earlier writing, it is very obviously the work of an older, more jaded man, bleak in its assessment of a society led by self-serving politicians.

Ramon u z-Zerbinotti seems to bridge the gap between Stagno’s novels. Set in the early 90s, it follows a typical week in the life of a group of friends in the 5th Form of a boys’ secondary school. Were Ramon real, he would be just a few years older than I am, and I could therefore appreciate the authenticity of Stagno’s descriptions of school life and teenage angst. Indeed, despite the profanities and the rough edges of the novel, there is an underlying feel of nostalgia in it, a sense that – to use a Maltese saying “we were better when we were worse”. There is much to savour in this novel apart from comparing notes with its protagonists – its spot-on portrayal of the foibles and fears of adolescence, its humour (if less effective than in Xemx wisq sabiha) including pseudo-academic footnotes, the witty barbs directed at Maltese society (which would become more apparent in “Brussels). What disappointed me was that it’s not ambitious enough. Stagno subtitles his work “Rumanz ‘pop’ iehor” (another ‘pop’ novel), as if this were a disclaimer, and throughout the book self-consciously refers to it as “our modest novel”. It’s a description that is not far off the mark – with greater insight into Ramon’s actions, say, this could easily have been a memorable coming-of-age novel and yet there’s little attempt at development of character or plot. Don’t get me wrong – this remains a witty, funny and entertaining novel. The pity is it could have been much more.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Maltese male, this book is a nostalgic dive into adolescence. Highly relatable, can't remember a book making me laugh out loud this much. The style might not be for everyone but in my case it resonated more, as childish as it may sound.

If one were to nitpick, it's that the books leaves you wanting for more. There was scope to develop it into a coming of age novel but, as I said, it's nitpicking. Five stars fully deserved.

[Ryan Scicluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it for the simple reason that this is exactly the life of many Maltese teenagers. From the language, the banter, the stresses and dreams. These are the average adventures of many young ones living in Malta. Realistic and nostalgic to any Males who grew up in similar schools with similar friends.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ġuże Stagno awtur kontemporanju, reali u skjett. Ikolli ngħid li mill-kotba tiegħu dan l-inqas wieħed elaborat. Il-kitba ma ddejqekx, spejċjalment jekk bħali għixt dawk il-ħames snin ta' skola sekondarja tas-subien fejn tidħol tifel u toħroġ raġel. Pero nistqarr li għandu xogħlijiet aħjar.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read this book in 2014. It was also the first book I had the pleasure of reading by Stagno; and (after reading a few of his other titles) seems much more tame by comparison (though no less cheeky!) and is just as accurate as it is hysterically funny. Comes highly recommended!

[Clint Rizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kif jirrepeti bosta drabi Stagno matul dan ir-rumanz, l-intenzjonijiet tal-awtur huma modesti għall-aħħar. U dan hu li jagħmel lil 'Ramon u ż-Żerbinotti' suċċess letterarju. L-ebda wieħed mill-karattri m'hu żviluppat sewwa u r-rumanz hu essenzjalment mingħajr plot, iżda Stagno jirnexxi fil-rikostruzzjoni tal-ambjent tal-iskola u d-dinja mħawwda tal-adoloxxenti. L-istil huwa realistiku għall-aħħar u l-użu qawwi ta' profanità u deskrizzjonijiet moqżieża jistgħu jimbuttaw bosta qarrejja, iżda dan ir-rumanz jibqa' ktieb onest, dirett u li diffiċli ħafna tinsieh.

[Dean Muscat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are Maltese and male and went to an all boys secondary school, this book will leave you happily wallowing in pools of adolescent nostalgia.

The monotony of school, the weird and crazy friends, the stupid nick names, the nutritious snacks served in the tuck shop, the high libidos, the vulgar language, the mystery and shyness caused by girls, the 'problems' that occupy the 15 year old mind ...

[William Hayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

nostalġiku u ta ’gost, ta’ min jaqrah

[Joe Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

For us who lived the 70s & 80s with so much intensity, this book brings back strong memories.