MarkCamilleri

Camilleri credits writer, linguist and ethnographer Ġorġ Mifsud Chircop with being the first person to believe in his writing. However, as a fiction writer, Camilleri’s true passion is crime fiction. One of his greatest influences is the renowned bestselling Sicilian writer, whose surname he shares: Andrea Camilleri. The Inspector Montalbano series left an impact on him.

Camilleri was always a strong believer in the importance of genre fiction. Crime stories explore justice, ethics and corruption through the use of compelling, morally ambiguous characters and intricate plots, all the while immersing the reader in suspenseful narratives. Moreover, crime novels in Maltese are scarce, with only a handful of authors delving into the genre, and Camilleri wanted to enhance the literary landscape with his contribution.

This sense of being an outsider is reflected in his protagonist, police sergeant Victor Gallo. Gallo is deeply committed to justice, firmly believing that criminals must face the consequences of their actions. However, he is a flawed character, sometimes succumbing to his vices or being overwhelmed by his emotions. This is evident in his debut story, Prima Facie (Merlin Publishers, 2010), where the perpetrator of a heinous crime hits Victor Gallo in his most vulnerable spot – his family – a confrontation which tests both his principles and his restraints. As a police officer, Gallo has to work within an official framework, an imperfect system rife with bureaucratic challenges that sometimes seem to hinder law enforcement, thus also giving us an insight into the psychological toll of investigative work.

Another significant strength of Camilleri’s writing is his meticulous attention to detail, especially in structuring the plots. His novels are built on a foundation of thorough research which adds authenticity and depth to the narrative. This is evident in Nex (Merlin Publishers, 2016), Victor Gallo’s third outing, where the crime investigation involves an unsolved case that happened several years before. The story features a wide array of characters from different eras, all intricately connected, with their relationships gradually revealed in the book’s final chapters.

Beyond its meticulously crafted plot, Nex also demonstrates a keen awareness of the social changes that occur over time. The novel juxtaposes a past murder – unearthed by the gruesome discovery of three severed fingers at the start of the book – with a present-day crime, showing how time may pass but the impact of violence remains just as harrowing. Camilleri’s layered storytelling enhances the flow of the story, making it easier for the readers to fully engage with the narrative.

Crime fiction is one of the most dynamic and widely enjoyed genres in literature. Its appeal lies in its ability to weave gripping plots, pose moral dilemmas and delve into the complexities of justice. Camilleri’s contribution to the genre not only expands the body of crime fiction available locally but also introduces a level of depth and sophistication, elevating its status within the Maltese literary landscape.