Home / National Book Prize / 68 Seconds Poetry 68 Seconds 68 seconds: writing catharsis. Donna Darmanin’s debut poetry book is not an easy read. It is a confessional journal of a highly dysfunctional domestic life. Her imagery is often violent, degrading, angry, resentful, devastating. She looks her perpetrators in the eye. Her voice, though often vulnerable, is sure and unwavering, grounded in self-knowledge. In her own words: “This book is an apology. An apology to my younger self for harbouring so much blame, so much shame. It’s about healing my inner child. I kept praying for the world to forgive me. For not being present enough, for punishing myself.” Buy the book Kotba Calleja Poetry 2025 Donna Darmanin Donna’s profound connection with literature blossomed in the tender years of her childhood, where stories became her steadfast solace amidst the trials of reality. Lost in the realm of books, she discovered a sanctuary where imagination knew no bounds and words wove themselves into the fabric of her soul. Following her passion for understanding the complexities of human nature, Donna pursued studies in psychology and counselling, delving deep into the labyrinthine corridors of the mind. Guided by an insatiable curiosity and a profound empathy for others, she embarked on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the human psyche intertwined with genetics, seeking to illuminate the intricacies of thought, emotion, and behaviour. Today, Donna works as a genetic counsellor, and through her work, she continues to embody the transformative power of empathy and understanding. NEED ANY HELP? GET IN TOUCH contact us