DavidAloisio

Having an introverted disposition, writing fiction provides Aloisio with a conduit for self-expression. This outlet allows him to explore themes close to his heart, such as the environment, politics and history, social injustice and racism. In addition to these themes, Aloisio has a profound interest in the experiences of childhood and adolescence, delving into the challenges and triumphs of growing up.

Aloisio credits Oliver Friggieri and Trevor Żahra with being his primary influences, drawing inspiration from their writing styles and outlook on life. Among foreign authors he cites many influences, including Edgar Allan Poe, Franz Kafka, J.R.R. Tolkien and Mary Shelley, among others.

A defining characteristic of some of Aloisio’s work is the spiritual dimension, very evident in his first children’s book, Il-Ħamiem ta’ Matty (‘Matty’s Pigeons’, Klabb Kotba Maltin, 2017). In this nostalgic tale about a boy living with his grandfather, the big house and the empty chicken coop suggest a spiritual void. Even though both Matty and his grandfather lead a contented life, the absence of Matty’s parents and grandmother is deeply felt. The two pigeons Matty cares for provide solace and comfort, compensating for the experience of loss.

Aloisio’s other literary themes are vividly realised in Ġganti (‘Giants’, Horizons, 2022), a coming-of-age tale steeped in an alternative history. Ġganti follows Żita, a teenage girl who, after a near-death experience, finds herself among a group of primitive people searching for a new home. They come upon an island inhabited by giants. Contrary to common tropes, these giants are peaceful. Yet tension arises as they begin to interact with the new arrivals.

In this story, Aloisio uses a speculative landscape to comment on contemporary issues. The escalating hostility between the natives and settlers is a critique of the dangers of colonisation. The newcomers gradually encroach on the land, eventually viewing it as their own, leading to inevitable clashes with the giants’ way of life.

These clashes lead to familiar repercussions: the tribalisation of parties, the wanton and spiteful destruction of resources, environmental degradation, and politics taking precedence over personal relationships. The fantastical backdrop sharpens this allegory, allowing Aloisio to convey his points clearly and unambiguously. He underscores how social and political dynamics shape society, providing insights into the complexities of their nature and the urgent need for societal change.

Despite its fantastical backdrop, Aloisio’s tale of giants is unmistakably Maltese. Both the story and his use of language are deeply rooted in the island’s rich cultural tradition, which he skillfully employs to address contemporary issues in a fresh and innovative way.