Malta’s Own Mafia Tale: A New ‘Godfather’ Novel from the Women’s Perspective

Picture this: the narrow, sun-baked streets of Rabat, Malta. A woman, her face etched with years of wisdom and secrets, sits on her doorstep, watching the world go by. She’s seen it all – the comings and goings of the local mafia, the whispers of power and betrayal. Now, she’s ready to tell her story. This is not a tale of the usual suspects, but one from the shadows, from the women who have long been silent.

Malta’s Hidden History: The Women Behind the Curtain

Malta’s history is filled with tales of power and intrigue, of families ruling with iron fists. But what about the women? The mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters who have been the silent pillars of these dynasties? This is the question that local author, Maria Azzopardi, has set out to answer in her upcoming novel, ‘The Godmother’.

Azzopardi, a Rabat native, has spent years gathering stories from the women of Malta’s close-knit communities. “I grew up hearing whispers of these stories,” she says. “I wanted to give these women a voice, to tell their stories in their own words.”

From the Shadows to the Spotlight

‘The Godmother’ promises to be a departure from the usual mafia narrative. It’s not about the guns or the power plays, but about the women who have held these families together. It’s about the mother who knows where her son hides his gun, the sister who keeps her brother’s secrets, the wife who stands by her husband, no matter what.

“These women are the backbone of these families,” Azzopardi explains. “They’ve been in the shadows for too long. It’s time to bring them into the spotlight.”

Malta’s Literary Scene: A New Wave of Storytelling

Malta’s literary scene is no stranger to tales of power and corruption. From Francis Ebejer‘s ‘The Swastika’ to Immanuel Mifsud‘s ‘Fl-Għajnejn ta’ Ħolma’, Maltese authors have been delving into the darker side of Maltese society. But ‘The Godmother’ promises to bring something new to the table.

“We’ve seen the story from the men’s perspective,” says Alex Vella Gera, a local literary critic. “Now, it’s time to hear the other side. And who better to tell it than Maria, who knows these streets like the back of her hand?”

Malta’s literary scene is buzzing with anticipation. ‘The Godmother’ is set to be published later this year by local publisher, Midsea Books. It’s already being hailed as a breakthrough, a novel that will finally give voice to the women who have been silent for too long.

“This is our story,” says Azzopardi. “It’s about time we told it.”