8 Amazing Books In English Every Maltese Person Should Read
Picking a book is a bit of a hassle sometimes, and our previous lists won’t help you if you’d much rather read in English than Maltese.
If you are indeed someone who would rather read in English but have no idea where to begin, there’s no need to despair.
Here are eight great books which we think you should totally read at least once in your life.
1. 1984
George Orwell
This dystopian classic is famous for a reason. Unsettling and scary, the novel is one of the most terrifying books you will lay your eyes on.
It tells the story of a totalitarian future where individuality is a crime and everything is controlled by the state — from your own life to your deepest thoughts.
The scariest part of it all? It’s not too far off from the present. Eesh.
2. The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood
Another dystopian novel which will give you some proper chills.
The Handmaid’s Tale has reemerged from the shadows recently in the form of a television series which almost everyone got hooked on.
This emotionally draining journey is a tale of terror centred around a misogynistic future which will definitely leave an impact on you. This book is set in a patriarchal society where a woman’s individualism and independence are strictly forbidden.
3. Cruelty
Roald Dahl
This collection of short stories may be considered a light read compared to the previously mentioned novels. However, do not take it lightly. We’re used to seeing Dahl write magical children’s books, so this collection of dark tales will give you a bit of a jolt at first.
As usual, Dahl’s writing is superb, so you’ll get sucked into these short horrors in little to no time.
From adultery to loneliness, this book explores human cruelty in ten brisk stories. Whether the cruelty is intentional or not, this collection will leave a bitter taste in your mouth.
4. The Red Tent
Anita Diamant
This is one of the most heartbreaking stories we’ve ever read. It’s based on a character from the Genesis, but it doesn’t have any religious themes to it.
The Red Tent is a first-person narrative which tells the story of one of Joseph’s sisters. That Joseph, yes, the one with the multi-coloured coat.
It’s a compelling read which follows the life of a family when life was scary AF. This is an ode to untold stories, forgotten characters and repressed struggles.
5. Giovanni’s Room
James Baldwin
This. We don’t even know where to begin. This is considered a classic of gay literature, but it was written way back in ’56, so bear with it.
It tells the very sad story of two characters living in 1950s Paris, where an American man finds himself trying his utmost to live a conventional life. Eventually, he cannot resist his own desires anymore and starts an affair with an Italian bartender.
This book will have you in tears within the first few pages. It’s a desperate account of sexual struggles, identities and love. Beautiful.
6. The Colour Purple
Alice Walker
This monumental classic is a proper masterpiece. Set in the Deep South, it tells a story of poverty, family and segregation. It’s a book which starts off with extremely desperate tones but later on evolves into one giant burst of joy and freedom.
This book will teach you a lot about the power of freeing yourself from the past and taking charge of your own destiny. It will also probably make you cry for weeks on end, but it’s definitely worth the tears. If you won’t read anything from this list, at least read The Colour Purple.
7. Fight Club
Chuck Palahniuk
Skip the movie, read the book.
It’s all about underground fighting matches, darkness and anarchy. It’s a beautiful mess of immorality and mystery. If you’re at a stage in life where you feel like you need to fall in love, please, fall in love with this book.
Fight Club is sharp, it has an amazing plot and it’s also funny.
It follows a man who is struggling with insomnia, who in turn finds solace by impersonating cancer patients. Eventually the protagonist establishes an underground fight club as a form of radical psychotherapy.
The first rule about a book this good is that you read it. The second rule is that you do indeed talk about it.
8. A Confederacy of Dunces
John Kennedy Toole
This is honestly one of the funniest novels we’ve ever read. But you can pretty much tell by now that we tend to read bleak stuff as a rule of thumb. This tragicomic book tells the story of a middle-aged tyrannical man who still lives with his mother.
The collection of misadventures this domineering character goes through as he’s looking for a job is depicted in a light-hearted and super enjoyable way. If irony and satire are your thing, give this one a chance.
Did we miss any of your favourites? Leave us a comment below and tag someone who still hasn’t read all these book!
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