Malta’s Own Mafia Story: A New ‘Godfather’ Novel From A Woman’s Perspective

Imagine this: a bustling street in Malta’s historic Three Cities, the sun dipping low, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets. A woman, dressed in black, steps out of a nondescript door, her eyes scanning the street with a mix of defiance and fear. This is not your typical Maltese scene, but it’s the opening of a new novel that’s set to redefine the way we look at the island’s mafia history.

Introducing ‘The Godmother’: A New Take on an Old Tale

Malta’s literary scene is abuzz with the upcoming release of ‘The Godmother’, a novel by local author Maria Azzopardi. This is not just another mafia story; it’s the first to tell the tale from a woman’s perspective. Azzopardi, a seasoned journalist and author, has spent years researching Malta’s underworld, unearthing stories that have long been buried.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the women behind the scenes,” Azzopardi says. “They’ve been the backbone of the Maltese mafia, yet their stories have been overlooked. I wanted to change that.”

From Valletta’s Streets to the Global Stage

‘The Godmother’ is set in 1980s Malta, a time when the island was grappling with its own version of the mafia. Azzopardi’s protagonist, Maria, is a woman navigating this treacherous world, fighting to protect her family and carve out her own power. The story weaves through Malta’s streets, from the bustling markets of Valletta to the quiet backwaters of the Three Cities.

But this is not just a local story. Azzopardi’s research has taken her beyond Malta’s shores, uncovering connections between the island’s mafia and international crime syndicates. “Malta might be small, but it’s always been a hub for international crime,” she says. “I wanted to explore these connections, show how our story fits into the global picture.”

Writing Women Back into History

‘The Godmother’ is more than just a crime thriller. It’s a feminist retelling of a story that’s long been dominated by men. Azzopardi’s research has unearthed stories of women who were instrumental in the Maltese mafia, yet have been written out of history. “They were the ones keeping the families together, making the deals, even pulling the trigger,” she says. “It’s time we start telling their stories.”

This is not an easy task. The Maltese mafia is a closed world, and talking about it can be dangerous. Azzopardi has faced threats and pushback, but she’s undeterred. “Someone needs to tell these stories,” she says. “And I’m not afraid to be that person.”

‘The Godmother’ is set to be released later this year. It’s already generating buzz in local literary circles, and there’s talk of a movie deal. But Azzopardi is keeping her feet on the ground. “I just want to tell a good story,” she says. “One that shines a light on the women who’ve been in the shadows for too long.”