The National Book Council has named Ryan Falzon as the Best Emerging Author of the Year in this year’s awards.

Reacting to the win, Mr Falzon noted that he is grateful to everyone who has supported him along this journey.

“Your encouragement has been invaluable. Looking forward to sharing new work in the near future,” he added.

The National Book Council Awards are an annual event that celebrates authors across Malta. Winners in different categories are chosen by an independent board and consider books published in 2023.

Last year, Mr Falzon, through Kotba Calleja, published his first novel, ‘Sajf.’

‘Sajf’ immerses readers in a tale of a scorching summer filled with vintage cars, excessive drinking, and the constant allure of adventure lurking around every corner.

The book is described by Mr Falzon as “a literary testament to the millennial generation and the emerging Gen-Z era, providing a generational voice for those born between 1980 and the present.”

Aside from being an author, Mr Falzon is a visual artist and educator. His work deals with contemporary themes of duality, narrative, social media, human interaction and existential conditions.

One of his most recent artworks is the Botanica series, which includes a collection of internal scapes and still lifes. The main theme, revolving around the pandemic, are suggestive domestic spaces and growth.