My London launch feels like a distant memory now. Everything else that has happened has been a whirl and (to my shame) I never did write a blog post thanking Farsons for sending over (through MTA) a shipment of Cisk.
I’d contacted Farsons, with a jpeg of the cover, a few weeks before launch. I’d hoped that they’d be happy, but never ever imagined that they’d be as amazing as they have been. They’ve helped me to approach MTA and arrange free shipment of Cisk into the UK, they’ve also helped in arranging with Air Malta for me to be flown over to Malta later this month.
Since publication, it’s all a bit of a bit hectic but I’m sure that those who were at the London launch and Formby signing would agree that having that taste of Malta made the events that little bit more special (as well as lots of people rather merry!).
When I wrote Like Bees to Honey, I had pages of handwritten notes about my grandma and granddad’s time in Malta. Much didn’t make sense, there were contradictions and repetitions and a timeline that wasn’t very straight, but one thing that was confirmed was that after the war my granddad managed to find work in Farsons Brewery.
Cisk made an appearance in the novel, because it felt right to do so.
Then when it came to the cover, Becky Adams read the whole novel before embarking on the design. Clearly Cisk jumped out at her, as the bottle is so very prominent on the cover. I love that it is.
So when I talked about Cisk at my signing last Saturday and when a curious man asked if the company was happy with their bottle on the front of Like Bees to Honey, I smiled (I did a silly giggle thing too). For me it was never about product placement or advertisement, it was always about familyhistory and Malta.
Really, this post is simply and overdue thank you to Farsons from me and from all those ohers who have had a taste of Malta over the last few weeks.
(And for those who have been lucky enough to taste Cisk, you’ll be happy to know that there are Cisk fan pages on Facebook. - here and here)
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I have fond memories of that Cisk, and yes it really did add something extra to the London event (and I don’t just mean in terms of alcohol!).
I wish I’d saved some for when I start reading LBTH again.
Now that would have been forward thinking! Thank you x
It went down very well and the cover looks gorgeous!
Thank you x
Well, I certainly enjoyed it with my curry that Saturday night!
Great to have you back x
Yip, am back, just about! Hi x
I’m not a beer drinker but I loved the idea. It added yet another layer to your book. x
It did, didn’t it. The place was ‘buzzing’ and some even squealed when they saw it. LOVE that they did x
I thought it was a great beer…and I’m not a beer fan!!
C x
It’s very very special beer. I also have a weakness for a Maltese drink called Kinnie (non-alcoholic) that I am craving lots. x
Fabulous stuff Caroline - Cheers!
Cheers!
x
I thought it was a lovely touch that made the book very real.
Thank you, lovely lady x
Dear Caroline,
I am a Maltese 21-year old girl who is at the moment reading the novel “Like Bees to Honey”. Two weeks ago, I was at a local bookshop rummaging through various novels in attempt to buy a new book to read…and all of a sudden my eyes focused upon something familiar…the Cisk beer bottle on an interesting front cover of a book…
Now I find myself stuck reading this book…such an interesting novel in my opinion…it is actually a very nice sensation: reading a book about my country as seen from a foreigner’s perspective…
I adore the way Malta is depicted, because it sounds familiar: Valletta,Strait street, Mosta’s rotunda etc…and I absolutely love the little simple Maltese phrases throughout the book…
So let me thank you for such a good novel, which I find very relaxing and entertaining…it’s lovely how an author chose such a small island, Malta, as the main plot for a novel…
So let me end this in Maltese…
PROSIT!! i.e. THUMBS UP!!
Regards,
Deborah Vella
Hi Deborah!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for reading ‘Like Bees’. I was very worried about the Maltese reaction to the novel and your taking time to leave a comment has made me smile. I hope that my love of Malta comes through my words.
I’ll be doing a few events on the island from July 28 - August 3rd, so if our paths do cross be sure to come and say hello!
Take care,
Caroline
You should not worry about the Maltese people’s reaction..I am liking the book so far
I will try to drop by to meet you then! It’s nice to know you’re visiting our tiny rock! It’s extremely hot at the moment, but the beaches are amazing at this time of year!!
Regards,
Debbie
I dont drink beer, but I know a man who does
Cisk reminds me of my happy hols in Malta and always my desire to go back! I’m with you on the Kinnie front as you know. I love the stuff even though I am not meant to have it. Always go for the full sugar variety, its the best 