Sunbeams on my Back: A debut poetry collection by Sarah-Madeleine Caruana

Sunbeams on my Back is a raw collection of poems written in English that brings together more than 45 poems, spread over more than 100 pages. The poems follow Sarah-Madeleine’s turbulent journey through childhood, addiction, healing and parenthood.

The collection, split into four sections, is inviting the reader to go through poetry as through life. The poem that gives the book its title, A Voice in the Dark, is representative of Sarah’s work. It begins with simple childhood pleasures, moves through abuse and painful scars, and resolves with the speaker becoming a voice for others as well as for herself.

Sunbeams on my Back book cover

The book will be launched at Pembroke Public Library on 12 October 2026 at 7pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The evening will feature readings from the collection together with a discussion between the book's creative team: Sarah-Madeleine Caruana as the poet; Leanne Ellul, mentor and editor; and Claire Farrugia, illustrator and project coordinator. The event will conclude with a book signing session and some refreshments.

Sunbeams on my Back, beautifully designed by artist Naomi Gatt, will be available against a donation of €10 and can be purchased directly from the publisher, Dar Hosea.

Further stockist information will be announced in due course. For more information, contact Dar Hosea through social media on Facebook or Instagram (@darhosea.mt). Sunbeams on my Back is published by Dar Hosea with financial support from APS Bank.