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Maltese Must-Reads You Need To Get Your Hands On Now

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If you’ve been meaning to perfect your command of the Maltese language, you should definitely get your hands on a Maltese book or two.

Here’s a list of must-reads you will not be able to put down.

1. Għajnejn Kalanġ – Kilin

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Għajnejn Kalanġ is a collection of short stories carefully chosen by the author himself — a pioneer in Maltese literature, Kilin. The book includes a myriad of different stories from humorous to bittersweet. Although it is not a particularly thick book, the stories in Għajnejn Kalanġ have a way of imprinting themselves in your heart and stay there for a very long time. 

An English version (Angelo’s Eyes) is available, but please, please I implore you to read this book in Maltese! The way the stories are executed in Kilin’s mother tongue seems to be the one true way that this collection is meant to be appreciated. If you are not a fan of reading in Maltese, or are still just beginning to read in Maltese, do start from this one as the stories are very easy flowing and the vocabulary used will not intimidate you. 

2. Il-Ħajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa – Trevor Zahra 

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Trevor Żahra surprises us again and again with every book he has ever written. This memoire-style book is controversial in a very cheeky way. However, this is not just another book, this is a representation of Maltese identity. 

Nanna Ġenoveffa lived her life exactly the way she wanted to and is depicted very differently from the way Maltese women are usually portrayed in books. She is not pious and scrupulous, but she is not a dirty ho either. In-Nanna Ġenoveffa is not a grotesque extreme as usually seen in local literature, but as a character she is as human as can possibly be. However, do be warned; you will not look at your nanna the same way after reading this book.

3. Ramon u ż-Żerbinotti – Ġuże Stagno

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Ġuże Stagno never fails to surprise with his masterpieces. Honestly, all of his books deserve to be mentioned in this article, but that would be unfair on the other writes ux? Ramon u Ż-Żerbinotti centres around Ramon and the ongoing dread teenage boys face. Of course, puberty is depicted in a painfully hilarious way — fighting acne, failing to control his raging hormones, struggling with his exams and trying to get rid of his virginity, the theme is all too close to home for some. 

Ramon with all his faults will find his way to your heart in no time. The themes are all too familiar and the occasional bouts of nostalgia will leave a sour taste in your mouth once you finish this book, knowing that you will not find another like it on the island. 

4. Samuraj – Frans Sammut 

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Another book by one of Maltese literature’s pioneers, Samuraj is one of those books which makes you feel empty inside after you are done reading it. This very well written work of art is the story of Samwel, a very lonely man and his relationship with a young woman which is seen as scandalous by the community. 

The book is a gloomy read with violent spurts of the protagonist against the world — this book explores loneliness in a very personal and gritty way and often lets one sit and reflect on what is being read. Frans Sammut never fails to deliver, and if you fall in love with this classic, do not forget to take a look at Il-Gaġġa, another masterpiece in which Sammut delivers a stellar but melancholic narrative.

5. L-Għafrid – Kilin

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Another beautiful book by Kilin, L-Għafrid is set in 17th Century Malta and revolves around a crime which shook the island. Kilin was inspired to write this story when he stumbled upon first hand documents describing the crime which left the Inquisitor seething to catch the perpetrator. 

Although the crime was never solved, Kilin found a way to spin a very well written story filled with mystery, passion and adventure. Worth a read if you enjoy mystery novels.. but even if you don’t, do not miss out on this one.

6. L-Għalqa tal-Iskarjota – Alfred Sant 

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Bittersweet and humorous, this satirical book tells the story of a group of journalists who are sent out to investigate a shady field near an abandoned village. This book has a bit of everything in it — history, mystery, sex, drugs, and the occult. 

Sant plays the comedy/horror theme very well and you will not be able to put this book down. It is also good to note that this hilariously cruel book delves into Malta’s Phoenician history and takes occasional jabs at Brussels and local businesses. Do please consider this book if you like sexy murder pirates. 

However, do not read this book in English for most of it would be lost. Alfred Sant is an excellent writer when it comes to the Maltese language and is nothing short of spectacular, bless his heart.

Are there any books we forgot to mention? Comment below

READ NEXT: 13 Books By Maltese Authors You Need To Read This Summer

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