Alfred Sant’s classic novel, L-Ewwel Weraq tal-Bajtar (Prickly pears in bloom), first issued 50 years ago, will be launched at the National Library, Valletta, on Friday.

The event will be attended by award-winning writer Walid Nabhan, who wrote the book’s introduction, in conversation with the author, and will also include dramatised excerpts from the novel interpreted by Clive Piscopo and Lee-N Abela.

The book tells the story of a boy’s coming to age amid the confusing experience of a new world and its adults. It explores the internal strife of a young adult as he grapples with the hesitant welcome he encounters by older people around him.

The novel, first issued in 1968, was Sant’s first publishing experience when he was only 19. It launched the genre of the contemporary novel on Malta’s literary scene, which was subsequently followed by other authors.

The launch of Alfred Sant’s novel L-Ewwel Weraq tal-Bajtar will be held at the National Library, Valletta, on Friday at 7pm. A reception will be held afterwards. Attendance is free and open to all.