In at the Deep End is the title of the 375-page autobiography of the well-known surgeon Lino Cutajar.

The book, which is subtitled An overview of social and historical events and medical developments (1940-2014), recounts Cutajar’s life story, including his childhood in Sliema, his Lyceum and University years, his first years at St Luke’s Hospital, specialisation in England, his seven years in the Middle East following the medico-political dispute of 1977, his return to Malta and eventual appointment as head of surgery and his interests and varied extracurricular activities.

The publication was launched at San Anton Palace by courtesy of the President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and her husband Edgar.

The panel discussed the surgeon’s contribution to the medical field in Malta

Discussing the book was a panel chaired by history professor Henry Frendo (who also wrote the foreword) and made up of Laurence Grech, former editor of The Sunday Times of Malta, who outlined the author’s life and career and gave a description of the book; Alfred Caruana Galizia, a fellow medical practitioner, who recollected their shared sojourn in Saudi Arabia and highlighted Cutajar’s contribution to the medical field in Malta; and Nicholas de Piro, a long-time friend, who recounted a number of anecdotes connected with personalities described in the book.

Cutajar thanked the panel for their contributions and announced that he would be devolving his proceeds from the sale of the book – published by Allied Publications – to the Conmunity Chest Fund.

The President said it was a pleasure to host the launching of a book which was undoubtedly an important contribution to Melitensia and thanked Cutajar for his gesture.

The author dedicated this book, which is profusely illustrated, to his late wife Irene, née Cassar, and the mother of his two children, Louise and David.

In at the Deep End is hardbound and available from Word for Word, Castile Place, Valletta, and leading bookstores.