Malta’s Own Mafia Story: The Godfather’s Daughter Takes Centre Stage

Imagine this: the bustling streets of Valletta, the sun dipping low, casting long shadows over the ancient stone buildings. A woman, dressed in black, walks briskly, her heels clicking a staccato rhythm on the cobblestones. She’s not just any woman; she’s the daughter of Malta’s most notorious mafia boss, and she’s about to tell her story. This is not a plot from a Maltese soap opera, but the premise of a new novel by local author, Maria Azzopardi.

From Malta’s Shadows to the Global Stage

Titled ‘The Godfather’s Daughter’, Azzopardi’s novel promises to shed light on the darker side of Malta’s history, a side often shrouded in secrecy. The story follows the life of Maria, the fictional daughter of a powerful Maltese mafia boss, as she navigates her family’s criminal empire and the expectations placed upon her. But this is no ordinary mafia tale; it’s told from a woman’s perspective, offering a fresh take on a well-worn genre.

Azzopardi, a seasoned journalist and author of several local non-fiction books, has spent years researching Malta’s underworld. “I’ve always been fascinated by the women behind these powerful men,” she says. “They’re often the ones pulling the strings, making the tough decisions. I wanted to tell their story, give them a voice.”

Malta’s Real-Life Inspiration

While the story is fictional, it draws inspiration from real-life events and figures. Azzopardi admits to being influenced by the life of Gina Maria Licari, the daughter of the late mafia boss, Giuseppe ‘Peppi’ Licari. Licari, known as ‘The Godfather of Malta’, ruled the island’s underworld in the mid-20th century. Gina, despite her father’s criminal past, became a respected social worker and politician, turning her back on her family’s criminal legacy.

“Gina’s story is fascinating,” Azzopardi says. “She could have easily followed in her father’s footsteps, but she chose a different path. That’s the kind of complexity I wanted to explore in my novel.”

Malta’s Changing scene

The novel also delves into Malta’s changing scene, from its post-war boom to its transformation into a modern, EU member state. Azzopardi believes that the island’s rapid development has also led to a shift in its criminal underworld.

“The mafia in Malta today is not the same as it was 50 years ago,” she says. “It’s more sophisticated, more global. I wanted to reflect that in my novel.”

The book is set to be published later this year, with Azzopardi already in talks with international publishers. It’s a significant step for Maltese literature, which has often been overshadowed by its Mediterranean neighbours. But Azzopardi is optimistic about the future.

“Malta has a unique story to tell,” she says. “We’re a small island, but we’ve been at the crossroads of history for centuries. Our stories deserve to be heard, and I hope my novel will contribute to that.”

As for the woman walking down the streets of Valletta, her story is just beginning. And with Azzopardi’s novel, it’s a story that will soon be shared with the world.