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Katya: Easy on the Tonic
Transgender icon. Celebrity model. Trailblazing star.
Katya Saunders was a woman who inspired conflicting emotions in those who knew her, but one fact remains undisputed. Above all else, she was a star.
As one of the first openly transgender persons in Malta, Katya was complicated. She made waves within the LGBTQ+ community for never compromising on her truth - but she was also a woman who faced incredible emotional and mental challenges.
In following Katya’s journey from Malta to London, New York and beyond, author Ramona Depares creates an immersive narrative that attempts to sift fact from the legend. Did Katya really have an intimate relationship with David Bowie and Mick Jagger? Did she pose with Bianca Jagger for Yves Saint Laurent? Did her alleged friendship with then Prime Minister Dom Mintoff facilitate a gender change on her birth certificate?
This book answers some of the above questions and gives rise to new ones as we follow Katya on her fearless quest to be a diva. Because a star is always a star, no matter how old and no matter how far.
Katya Saunders was a woman who inspired conflicting emotions in those who knew her, but one fact remains undisputed. Above all else, she was a star.
As one of the first openly transgender persons in Malta, Katya was complicated. She made waves within the LGBTQ+ community for never compromising on her truth - but she was also a woman who faced incredible emotional and mental challenges.
In following Katya’s journey from Malta to London, New York and beyond, author Ramona Depares creates an immersive narrative that attempts to sift fact from the legend. Did Katya really have an intimate relationship with David Bowie and Mick Jagger? Did she pose with Bianca Jagger for Yves Saint Laurent? Did her alleged friendship with then Prime Minister Dom Mintoff facilitate a gender change on her birth certificate?
This book answers some of the above questions and gives rise to new ones as we follow Katya on her fearless quest to be a diva. Because a star is always a star, no matter how old and no matter how far.
183 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2022
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Ramona Depares
3 books31 followersRamona Depares is an author & journalist based in Malta. She has edited several local publications and magazines, including the lifestyle magazine Sunday Circle and the cultural quarterly Encore.
She joined The Times of Malta as a legal reporter soon after graduating in law. She was eventually appointed features editor, culture editor and - later - news editor at The Times of Malta.
Today she runs a website that specialises in culture related features and reviews - https://www.ramonadepares.com. She also runs an SEO content-writing project at https://contentculture.mt while working on new creative writing projects.
She joined The Times of Malta as a legal reporter soon after graduating in law. She was eventually appointed features editor, culture editor and - later - news editor at The Times of Malta.
Today she runs a website that specialises in culture related features and reviews - https://www.ramonadepares.com. She also runs an SEO content-writing project at https://contentculture.mt while working on new creative writing projects.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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December 21, 2022Great insight not just into the life of a complex character and individual who lived her life as a trans woman without compromises but also an insight into the reality of gay men at a time when there was no such thing as an LGBTIQ movement as yet. Engaging and well written from start to finish.
January 5, 2023
Surviving 'being different ' can sometimes mean being larger than life itself. Why? Because actual life can go too harsh on you, amd the only way you can overcome it is to be above it all. Still, everything has a price, and braving through by creating your very own person, can be exhausting. That is why Katya is so brave. She owned up to what she was - even the heaviest, darkest sides that were part of all the anger, traumas, efforts and struggles she had to endure to be who she wanted to be.
Katya was more than an icon for the LGBTQ community. She's much more than that. Katya was an inspiration to all those who want to be something beyond what society expects of them - dancing unapologetically to the beats of life, whilst being kind and giving in a world that was unkind to her.
Ramona did an excellent job to portray this
Katya was more than an icon for the LGBTQ community. She's much more than that. Katya was an inspiration to all those who want to be something beyond what society expects of them - dancing unapologetically to the beats of life, whilst being kind and giving in a world that was unkind to her.
Ramona did an excellent job to portray this
December 27, 2022
Like Joe in the previous review, I too start by declaring my bias in that I was a friend of Katya’s (also loosely related - she always called me “kuġina” (cousin) - and a friend of the author’s.
Due to the elusive and mythical nature of the fabulous subject, this must not have been an easy bio to write, but Ramona Depares handled it with skill, and justifies my recommendation, when I was asked by a member of Malta Gay Rights Movement, when this project was still on the boardroom table, what I thought of proposing Ms Depares to write it.
Separating the stuff of urban legend from sheer hard facts is one of the book’s strong points, the other being that it is a true page turner, and this is not only due to the fascinating Katya herself, but also to Ramona’s writing style, successfully merging the sobering reality of the LGBTQI+’s situation in Malta between the ‘70s and the ‘90s, with the colourful vignettes that bring the Katya I knew and loved, momentarily back to life.
I last met Katya in May 2017, where she sat dressed like a Duchess among the commoners, at a popular bar on the Gzira seafront. I took a few photos of us and her and at first she was reluctant to let me post them to social media, but a split second later, declared “Yes, post them - let’s go viral darlink!”
The book sleeve is stylish, although I found the actual paper and typesetting somewhat below par. However the gorgeous photos and Katya’s personal squiggles and doodles, make up for it.
When Katya passed on to eternity, I knew that she would live on as the Legend she is. I knew I would miss seeing her around Sliema and St Julian’s, always a sight for sore eyes, a flash of glamour amidst local drab. She was ahead of her time, a true trailblazer and inspiration. This book does her justice and I’m sure that wherever she is, she is Katya Giggling naughtily, saying “Let’s go viral!”
Due to the elusive and mythical nature of the fabulous subject, this must not have been an easy bio to write, but Ramona Depares handled it with skill, and justifies my recommendation, when I was asked by a member of Malta Gay Rights Movement, when this project was still on the boardroom table, what I thought of proposing Ms Depares to write it.
Separating the stuff of urban legend from sheer hard facts is one of the book’s strong points, the other being that it is a true page turner, and this is not only due to the fascinating Katya herself, but also to Ramona’s writing style, successfully merging the sobering reality of the LGBTQI+’s situation in Malta between the ‘70s and the ‘90s, with the colourful vignettes that bring the Katya I knew and loved, momentarily back to life.
I last met Katya in May 2017, where she sat dressed like a Duchess among the commoners, at a popular bar on the Gzira seafront. I took a few photos of us and her and at first she was reluctant to let me post them to social media, but a split second later, declared “Yes, post them - let’s go viral darlink!”
The book sleeve is stylish, although I found the actual paper and typesetting somewhat below par. However the gorgeous photos and Katya’s personal squiggles and doodles, make up for it.
When Katya passed on to eternity, I knew that she would live on as the Legend she is. I knew I would miss seeing her around Sliema and St Julian’s, always a sight for sore eyes, a flash of glamour amidst local drab. She was ahead of her time, a true trailblazer and inspiration. This book does her justice and I’m sure that wherever she is, she is Katya Giggling naughtily, saying “Let’s go viral!”
October 12, 2023
The disclaimer I cannot omit is that I was involved in this project. I however received this book as a complete final draft, after it was written. My input was limited to LGBTIQ terminology and minor suggestions. I will not comment on the physical aspects of the printed book because of my bias.
I read the book in one sitting. Staring at my iPad, eyes burning, I stopped only when I finished it late at night. Ramona’s pen is as smooth as fine silk. It starts with a bang and before you know it you are on this rollercoaster journey into Katya’s life.
Ramona’s skills as an author but also as a journalist shine. All the facts are laid out. Ramona distinguishes between events that are cast in verifiable facts, and legends which are based on either conflicting accounts or contradicting proof. The way Ramona crafts all of this into an engaging biography that is not text-book like is where I feel the literary style of this book shines.
As for the subject of this biography, Katya, well again with a declared bias, I feel that this is the one local Maltese biography that needed to be written before memory started to fade and friends and family members became unable to narrate what they know. I could read again and again, and with every sitting, I know there will be a different element to take away.
I read the book in one sitting. Staring at my iPad, eyes burning, I stopped only when I finished it late at night. Ramona’s pen is as smooth as fine silk. It starts with a bang and before you know it you are on this rollercoaster journey into Katya’s life.
Ramona’s skills as an author but also as a journalist shine. All the facts are laid out. Ramona distinguishes between events that are cast in verifiable facts, and legends which are based on either conflicting accounts or contradicting proof. The way Ramona crafts all of this into an engaging biography that is not text-book like is where I feel the literary style of this book shines.
As for the subject of this biography, Katya, well again with a declared bias, I feel that this is the one local Maltese biography that needed to be written before memory started to fade and friends and family members became unable to narrate what they know. I could read again and again, and with every sitting, I know there will be a different element to take away.
April 13, 2023
Well-written account of the life of an incredibly interesting and glamorous woman.
Depares does a good job of painting a picture of the very elusive life of Katya. Because Katya was a woman of many faces and even more stories, it must have been challenging to paint a vivid picture of her life. But I think Depares did a good job researching and sifting through all of the different accounts of the events of Katya's life. I appreciate that she shares the evidence for each story or anecdote. Especially when different people have different versions of the same story. It gave an interesting look into the woman that Katya must have been.
Then about Katya... wow, what a woman! Incredible. My girlfriend and I stumbled upon the exhibition about her in Spazju Kreattiv one time when we were in Valletta. We didn't have any context or knowledge before we visited this exhibition, but we immediately fell in love with her. We had to wait a few days before we managed to get our hands on this book, but I'm glad we did. Because it's truly fascinating and inspiring to read about her life.
How her attitude towards life elevated her life in so many ways. Simply because she wanted it. She wanted to be glamorous, so she was glamorous. It sounds so simple, but it's so powerful when you are able to do such a thing. That's what makes this story so inspiring. It's about someone that truly knew what she wanted and acted upon that. And how that attitude drew people in. Other glamorous people/celebrities that were simply drawn to her aura, but also young members of the LGBT community could feel safe in her vicinity.
I love how she implicitly became an LGBT icon by simply living her glamorous life to the fullest. Not by being an activist and explicitly fighting for LGBT rights, but my living her life exactly how she wanted. Especially because there was no precedent. She didn't seem to follow anyone, she just did what she wanted to do. Without making any concessions to 'what society might think'. On the contrary. She just simply did it.
If there is one critique I can have on the book, is that it is so short. I would've loved to learn more about the duality and the 'lows' of Katya. I think this book is very much a celebration of her life and her status as an icon in the LGBT community. The book does mention that her life consisted of 'highs and lows'. And it briefly touches on her 'moods'. But I would've loved to have gained a deeper insight into her as a person and those sights of her. Although I also understand that she created her own story and that this was her story. A bit mysterious and elusive, but above all: glamorous.
Depares does a good job of painting a picture of the very elusive life of Katya. Because Katya was a woman of many faces and even more stories, it must have been challenging to paint a vivid picture of her life. But I think Depares did a good job researching and sifting through all of the different accounts of the events of Katya's life. I appreciate that she shares the evidence for each story or anecdote. Especially when different people have different versions of the same story. It gave an interesting look into the woman that Katya must have been.
Then about Katya... wow, what a woman! Incredible. My girlfriend and I stumbled upon the exhibition about her in Spazju Kreattiv one time when we were in Valletta. We didn't have any context or knowledge before we visited this exhibition, but we immediately fell in love with her. We had to wait a few days before we managed to get our hands on this book, but I'm glad we did. Because it's truly fascinating and inspiring to read about her life.
How her attitude towards life elevated her life in so many ways. Simply because she wanted it. She wanted to be glamorous, so she was glamorous. It sounds so simple, but it's so powerful when you are able to do such a thing. That's what makes this story so inspiring. It's about someone that truly knew what she wanted and acted upon that. And how that attitude drew people in. Other glamorous people/celebrities that were simply drawn to her aura, but also young members of the LGBT community could feel safe in her vicinity.
I love how she implicitly became an LGBT icon by simply living her glamorous life to the fullest. Not by being an activist and explicitly fighting for LGBT rights, but my living her life exactly how she wanted. Especially because there was no precedent. She didn't seem to follow anyone, she just did what she wanted to do. Without making any concessions to 'what society might think'. On the contrary. She just simply did it.
If there is one critique I can have on the book, is that it is so short. I would've loved to learn more about the duality and the 'lows' of Katya. I think this book is very much a celebration of her life and her status as an icon in the LGBT community. The book does mention that her life consisted of 'highs and lows'. And it briefly touches on her 'moods'. But I would've loved to have gained a deeper insight into her as a person and those sights of her. Although I also understand that she created her own story and that this was her story. A bit mysterious and elusive, but above all: glamorous.
January 6, 2026
I devoured this book, quite an easy read but very interesting. Some repetitive parts and due to the subject matter being ‘legend’, it is somewhat ambiguous at points and less straightforward in structure than you’d normally expect. I enjoyed it very much nonetheless!
March 10, 2023
What a journey! To step into a world which is both familiar and yet unrecognisable at the same time! The myth, the legend, Katia!
December 24, 2022
Engaging, dramatic and heartwarming biography of Malta’s first transgender icon who paved the way to the future LGBT generations. Loved every page of it!
April 14, 2023
It was a bit repetitive at some points but otherwise lovely, I read it in one go :)))
July 16, 2023
An iconic memoir to an iconic person who made herself an icon here in Malta. Worthy of having on your bookshelf.
August 22, 2023
A heart clenching story of a woman larger than life who, against all odds, "did it her way" during a time when it seemed downright impossible to do so.
August 31, 2023
Read in under 24 hours. One has to know more about Katya and when you finish it you end up a bit sad as if you have just lost a friend. A must read
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews