My essentials: Stephen Magri’s cultural picks

About

I developed an interest in art at an early age. I studied at the Malta School of Art under Joseph Mallia in the 1980s and later pursued sculpture under Joseph Casha and History of Art with Emmanuel Fiorentino. More recently, I have attended courses in portraiture and landscape painting. After a career in business, I have also turned to writing historical fiction.

Book

Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul by Saint Faustina Kowalska. I was struck by the extraordinary revelations this humble Polish nun recorded: Visions of Christ, the image of Divine Mercy and the prayers and devotions she was entrusted to share with the world. Alongside these experiences, she describes illness, misunderstanding and spiritual struggle. What impressed me was how such remarkable revelations were accompanied by a simple, demanding message: trust in God’s mercy and show mercy to others.

Film

Let It Be, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. I was delighted to see this long-unavailable Beatles documentary restored in 4K. Filmed in January 1969, it offers a fascinating glimpse of the group rehearsing and recording, capturing their humour, disagreements and musical creativity. My favourite scene is undoubtedly the iconic rooftop concert at Apple Corps, their final public performance. Watching John, Paul, George and Ringo performing together above the London streets is a wonderful reminder of what made The Beatles so extraordinary.

Internet and TV

I regularly visit Maltese and international news websites to keep abreast of current affairs. I also enjoy listening to talks by John Lennox, the mathematician and Christian thinker, particularly his discussions on science, faith and the existence of God. At the end of the day, however, I prefer something lighter. I enjoy a good comedy series and I am presently watching Seinfeld. Its clever dialogue, eccentric characters and humour drawn from ordinary situations never fail to entertain me.

Music

My choice of music often depends on my mood and I enjoy listening to different genres. However, I invariably return to the rock music of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and the Eagles, among many others. There is something about the powerful guitar work, distinctive voices and sheer energy of that era which continues to appeal to me. Much of this music has accompanied me since my younger days.

Place

Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. Originally from Valletta, I was often taken there as a young child, and the magnificent view across the Grand Harbour has never lost its appeal. Directly opposite lies Birgu, where I set my historical novel, Thumasi Zahra. Looking across the harbour, I imagine ships sailing through the centuries, battles fought and wartime air raids. It is a place where childhood memories, history and my writing come together.