Patuka Press, a self-funded and independent publisher of Gibraltarian literature, has just released its fifth anthology of Gibraltarian writing. Titled ‘Childhood’, the book was launched yesterday evening at the GEMA gallery at an event hosted by Kitchen Studios. 

The anthology features pieces in English, Spanish and Llanito inspired by childhood. It includes poems, stories, essays and memoirs by Martin Gonzalez, Rebecca Calderon, Humbert Hernandez, Eric Orcese, Jackie Anderson, Naomi Duarte, Brian Gordon, Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga, Mark Sanchez, Barbara Durante, Mae Easter, Julian Felice, Sophie Macdonald, Charles Durante, Michele Attias, Davina Barbara, Gabriel Moreno, Alex Menez, David Chevasco, Jonathan Teuma, Joseph Piñero, Liam John Ballester, David Bentata, Sonia Golt, David Álvarez and Giordano Durante.

The volume was edited by Giordano Durante and Sophie Macdonald who have also written an introductory note. The cover was designed by the Gibraltarian artist Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga. 

Co-editor Sophie Macdonald said: “We’re thrilled to announce the publication of our latest Patuka edition, ‘Childhood’. We remain committed to platforming local voices and to contributing to Gibraltarian literature. This latest book features some fantastic pieces that are both heartfelt and provoking - it is sure to resonate with many Gibraltarians who look back to childhood as a place of nostalgia, containment and, also, confusion. It will make a perfect edition to any book shelf this Christmas.”

Patuka will announce the theme for its next collection of writing in February next year. 

The anthology runs to over 200 pages in paperback and can be purchased from Amazon or locally from the Gibraltar Heritage Trust shop and, as from tomorrow Friday, in BookGem too.