Everyone but Fajza

by John P. Portelli

Fajża. Ir-rebbieħa telliefa. Il-preżenti assenti. Il-mimmi ta' kull għajnejn li qatt rawha. X'sar minnha? Sensiela ta' koinċidenzi, jew kollox ippjanat?

Xogħol soċjopolitiċizzat, li jittrażmetti t-tensjoni u l-ħtija minn paġna għal paġna u minn karattru għal ieħor, filwaqt li jpoġġi l-filosofija f'forma narrattiva distintiva li żżid il-loġika taċ-ċarezza u l-ambigwità fl-istess waqt.

Rakkont li jipprovoka s-sensi kollha, b'dak kollu li jinvolvi l-moħħ miftuħ u l-ġenerożità tal-ħsieb.

Walid Nabhan

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2021

Reviews

[Elena Cardona · Rating 4 out of 5]

kulħadd barra Fajża resonates the theme of migration, a well-researched - and experienced - theme in most of John P. Portelli's writings. His first novel orbits around the world of Fajża, where she ends up a victim of her family and friends' desires, envies and lust of power.
The reader envisages a subjective image of Fajża as they get to know her from the other characters - each chapter is recounted from a different perspective of the characters. Therefore, although she is the protagonist, she is voiceless throughout the novel. This narrative technique is quite unique to Maltese literature – as far as I know – except for Nirien ta' Mħabba - Ġuże Chetcuti and Lil Hinn mill-Jien - Alex Vella Gera, which were written in this way.
Throughout the novel, I constantly pondered on the role of Fajża. Is she a femme-fatale, an antihero or simply a protagonist? I was left without a definite answer till the end of the novel and this is what made the novel an interesting read.

[Sylvana Zarb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kulħadd barra Fajża. Kulħadd ilessen kelma barra Fajża. U xi jgħidu? Jaqsmu magħna, il-qarrejja l-istorja ta' Fajża. L-istorja li jaf sawru huma fuqha. Fajża tat sehemha imma hemm il-'ħatja' li billu subgħajhom biex jgħinuha, jgħinu lilhom infushom permezz ta' Fajża. X'taħseb Fajża qatt ma smajna u lanqas ser nisimgħu. Imma kollox insiru nafu, nadruha u nitgħallmu.

Rumanz mexxej, qrajtu f'darbtejn għax la bdejtu ridt inkun naf kif jintemm. Tistenna, tagħmel kuraġġ imma jħallik sat-tmiem sa ma jaqtgħalek l-għatx.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an intangible effervescence to Fajza as you read about the innocence lost and the resilience to survive of the migrant body. The novel is an utter delight to read, and it brings new meanings to Toronto neighborhoods. Told in short bursts, the stories are like an extended obituary for Faiza. The book, beating with tenderness and resentment, raises realistic migration issues and allows their pains and stories to come alive. Fajza is an ode to the desire, deceit, resilience and the shameful stories of so many immigrants. Portelli’s writing is vibrant and an existential angst palpable as you read about the best and worst of humanity and all that is in between.

[Diana Dao-Luu · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Portelli crafts an emotionally vivid narrative that offers a compelling glimpse into the intertwined lives of two immigrant families. Though the book isn’t strictly non-fiction, the characters feel deeply authentic; likely because the experiences portrayed are uncomfortably close to reality. As someone who naturally dives into research, I found myself looking up the names mentioned, only to discover that some were real. This blurred line between fact and fiction made the story even more powerful and thought-provoking.

Part of the novel follows Joe, a father navigating the challenges of parenting in a country that is new to him. Raised in Malta, Joe brings with him a set of cultural expectations that are tested as he raises his children in a Western context. Through them, he learns what it means to question, to adapt, and ultimately, to forgive; even when it shakes the foundation of his beliefs.

Portelli’s writing is both intimate and unsettling. The title hints at the conclusion, yet when I reached the final page, I was still left stunned.

This is a story that stays with you, urging readers to reflect on identity, justice, and the quiet complexities of immigrant life.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portelli's first foray into novels is a very interesting insight into a micro-community of Maltese emigrants (et al) in Toronto where a number of characters delve into their relationship with Fajża after a trqgic event. Guilt is the major player here amd how social/religious/political/economic status shapes our past, present and future.

My only gripe is with a number of typos and one major continuity error.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must to read. Devoured in less than <48 hours (and only because it was a working day). Everyone but Fajza deals with emigration; progression vs tradition and the old vs young debate.
"The island within an island" complex borne by the characters clearly emerges and is reflected in the characters' behaviour vis-a-vis their naturalized Canadian sons / daughters. John P. Portelli clearly weaves elements of social justice beautifully, into his writing.

[T Seagull · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t write reviews but I’m so furious having even read this garbage I just have to vent.
I picked up this book off the shelf of an old bookstore at random while I was visiting Malta, I’d travel back again just to return it if I could! The writing was just lazy, the stories were all over the place, old cheesy predictable lines straight from a telenovela for grandmas. Worst way to throw away 11 euros.

[Manuel Ellul]

I wrote a review on Portelli's novel that can be found here: https://www.independent.com.mt/articl...

I strongly recommend it's reading.