Secrets of the Old

This country does not usually see books that raise questions on the teachings of the Church. A few years the book by Dan Brown "The Da Vinci Code" became quite contreversial in Malta. In recent months, another book has been published though it may cause more contraversal than the Da Vinci Code which is slowly making a success in other countries - 'The Book of Secrets'.

In an exclusive interview, Randolph De Battista spoke with Australian author, of Maltese descent, Carlo J Vella on the effect of this book on Catholics, and its link with Malta. Vella, who today teaches English in Barcelona, says that one should be able to interpret the literature with an open mind, and also talks about censorship, including a story written by a univeristy student about sexual abuse which got this student reremanded and taken to court.

With a cup of coffee and overlooking the Grand Harbour, we joined several aspects related to Carlo's book which is divided into three parts, the third part of the series will entirely take place in Malta. Carlo visits Malta on a yearly basis and he sees the difference in oppinion and beliefs relating to religious faiths and homosexuality. . Certain stories on the Pope, the devil and homosexuality are few interesting points found in other countries which are not accepted in Malta. But he stresses that his book is not all fact.

CARLO: I am not a person who pretends to know everything and in life one should always be prepared that there are others who are more educated an knowledgable than you. Most books you read does not neccessary mean that every word in the text is true, or fiction for that matter. For example, if you read the Da Vinci Code and did not know the story, you may question whether it is true or not. But why go on a rampage and start protesting because you feel it is against your belief? All I say is that that you read with an open mind.

When I write, I add the element of fiction with the facts and strongly emphasize to the readers that the book is fiction.

I asked Carlo why he writes in this method, bringing history into the 21st

"I have a 20 year old son and he is an example of todays young society where they can learn a little about world history and also to help them open their minds. But it is not just the younger generation, it is all type of ages. I write a book about history I feel that to slighty alter and add some fiction to it will be more attractive, I start with the facts and finish with fiction bringing history into the 21st century.

The book of angels

"As a child in Malta and living here I remember going to Sunday School and the priest telling us a story of how on each side of us there is Jesus to the left and the Devil to the right. I used to look around to see if it were true and the thought of the devil beside me on a daily basis frightened me. I was a kid!

Over the years I remained interested in these things and also became interesed anthropology, the study of cultures. I drew towards Paganism and though I am catholic, Paganism is very strong within me.  In the six years to write this book, I combined both Paganaism and Christianity - an old war that seems to continue.

I was told a story about book written by angels and I found this topic quite interesting. So I started looking for the story behind this book though there is still no tangible evidence that this very book existed. This is where the fiction comes in.

You have to explain on how the story goes.

'The Book of Secrets' is based on the book of angels and the story of how the Knights Templar got hold of the book.  (I'm a great admirer of the Knights Templar and the Knights of Malta). People who researched on these knights believed that they had many treasures, including the Shroud of Christ and many other religious artifacts and of course "The Book Of Secrets", that dates back more than 5,000 years.

There are four books, one original and three copies and nobody know which is the original book. It is a thriller of a story with supernatural elements where people will go to extremes to aquire the book, including the Vatican.

The novel is based in various locations around Rome and ends in Barcelona. It is a race between those who want the book, and like any story, there are the bad people who want to retain the book for them, and the good people who want to protect the book from the evil. "

Not inspired by Dan Brown

"I had the idea and started writing the before Dan Brown, but as everyone knows, The Da Vinci Code was an idea written in 1970's. Though I have to admit that he did inspire me in a way.

"My other 2 novels were of a similar theme and style. People can say that the story is similar to Dan Brown's writing but this is my style. People can say what they want and I have no control over the way people want to think. 

How is the book welcomed in other countries?

"I have had a few sales in Barcelona and have had a number of my english students buying the book. The feedback in Barcelona has been great even though it is in English. I am looking at getting the book printed in Spanishy.

I started getting emails from people I don't know who wanted to get a copy of the book. Unfortunately it is not available in every country and only through the internet. The fact that half the book is based in Barcelona and the history of the place, made the book more interesting, certainly.

Resistance In Malta. Unlike other countries, Malta feels resistance to 'The Book of Secrets'.

"I Love Malta and it is like my second home but here the mentality is very religious and the faith is very strong.  It It is this reason the book will not be accepted due to its content.

The plot is such that one must read between the lines and interpret what is written and not take each word for grante.

There have been people who bought the book from the internet because they thought it was an historical  novel with a religious  theme, then they found out there were things in the book that offended them. There were things in the book that caused some negativity. It is why I say that books should be read with an open mind, I write for my pleasure and not to cause distress and I also write to send a message to people. 

Although he explains how Catholic, feels that everyone is the same, and beliefs does not make a difference.

"I am Catholic and I respect other religions, and in the book one finds a mixture of believers, united together. The message here is one, "we are all the same"  although we have different beliefs. True that some are more extreme than others, but for me, unless they try to impose their  beliefs on others, then I find no problem. "

Is there a possibility we may see of this book in local shops in time that follows.

"Not at the moment. I was also told that it is better not having this book released in Malta. In may cause problems! 

I heard what happened to that student who was taken to court because he wrote about sexual abuse. It may be perhaps that the student passed the line, but in the end history still remains. There are many stories and books that are worse than that. "

I asked him what his reaction was when hearing this case.
 
"When I heard about it I felt sorry for the student. Maybe there is more to it but from what I heard he was being judged because of his writing on sexual abuse'

The Pope and the devil

"Part of the book contains a discussion between devil and the Pope and the devil says to the Pope and a conversation between the two about homosexuality and the book can be homoerotic, depends on how you look at the story. 

I know that this country is trying to advance and making new developements  especially with the gay society, but the rights of gay people in Malta still need to be addressed and accepted. People still look at homosexuality as a sin. So, I would think the book carrying the elements of homosexuality may not be accepted here. 

"The book is based on fiction, with parts that are facts and you shouldn't read the book out of context. The story explains how good and bad offset each other: the Pope represents what is good, and the devil trying to offset by the wrongdoer, and these two are struggling for control between the good and bad. "

What effect this book might have on the Catholic practicing his religion?

"I hope this book serves to further open the mind of that person. The book was not written to tell you what to believe, because everyone must believe as he wishes and it is important to have belief.

Does the book threaten the Church?

"There is no threat to the Church because the book has the positive aspect of it all. I have been brought up Catholic but an open mind saying that I live out my belief.

In the end the good pwopl win. The good always win in life. There were some people who told me that at the beginning of the book it gives the impression that I'm against the Church, but then it all be transformed by the victory of good over the bad. I do not want to try to change people's thoughts or beliefs.

We come to the subject of censorship and I wanted his opinion, even in light of a national debate.

"There are people who when they speak or write something, they ignore and hurt others. This is definitely not good. One must speak logically. Important to state its views, but sometimes the way they say things is very important, because it could change the way people think about you.

I think that censorship can be used less. Above all we are in the 21st century and not in the Middle Ages. In Catalunya there are small villages which still live in the 15th century. It is important to adjust to the times of today's young, even in technology.

Spain in the last thirty years has had tremendous changes and major improvements and though it is still a catholic countrym, many Pagan festivities are celebrated and many Catholics attend these feasts. Every country has its unique characteristics, and that is something that I love.

The story will end up in Malta

At the end of the interview Carlo gave us a little taste of what will follow in the future, and definitely not expecting what I was told when revealed as the third part of the book will be entirely based in Malta.

"We are currently writing the second part of the book which is based in Barcelona, but it introduces Malta slowly to allow the readinr to have a taste of what is coming up.

Similarly, there will be facts mixed with fiction. The characters remain the same. The story will consist of the Knights of Malta and the neogliphic age.  The story of the Book Of Secrets will continue in Malta, where one of the four books is hidden somewhere in Malta.

This can also be publicity for the history of Malta, with foreign countries. "

The last words testify to the love and commitment to our country.

"I feel proud to write anything on the country that so many admire and to visit each year. I look at this third part of the book  as an exercise for the memories that serve me in the most wonderful way. In fact when I get asked from where I am, I answer that I'm Australian, but the Maltese blood will always run through me."