It’s nearly impossible to understand modern European history without understanding the history of Malta. As a small island just off the coast of Sicily and east of Tunisia, it sits as a strategic point within the Mediterranean Sea. Because of Malta’s geographic positioning, it has been controlled by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St. John, French, and British. These wide influences can be seen across the island; from its food, to place names. Fun fact: Valletta, the country’s capital, was named after Jean Parisot de Valette, who was the leader of the Knights of St. John during the Great Siege of 1565. Many of the books featured here touch on this historic battle. Dig in and see if your next trip might be to Malta.

Top pick for books set in Malta

I recently joined a company which although is a remote company, its cofounders are all Maltese. Upon knowing that I would be visiting the island for work a few weeks after starting, I tried to find a novel which could guide me through some of the history of this island, which embarrassingly enough, I couldn’t place on a map. The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball proved to be a great introduction to Maltese history as it is largely based on historical events. He has taken historic figures and events which he folds in through first-hand writings from the time and elaborates on them to create a richer narrative. The novel follows the stories of Nico and Maria Borg, Maltese siblings living in Birgu, just across the Grand Harbor from Valletta. At a young age while playing off the southern cliffs, Nico is abducted by Moorish slavers. The novel takes us through their lives across oceans. We get a glimpse of the Ottoman world and the Maltese world side by side as Nico and Maria’s lives continue on in separate worlds. The book culminates with what is perhaps the most elaborate part of the novel as Ball describes the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. On the last pages, a very interesting anecdote is revealed which transformed the story into a mind-blowing account of Malta’s history.

Community picks for books set in Malta

Malta’s history is rich and we’ve included a wide variety of novels to pick. If you’re looking for something that depicts Malt’s history around the time of WWII, Fortress Malta or I Wish I Had Your Wings might be up your alley. If you’re looking for a novel that also has a film based on it, Man on Fire, might be your book.