Malta’s Own Mafia Tale: A New ‘Godfather’ Novel Told by Women

Imagine this: the cobbled streets of Valletta, the sun dipping below the Grandmaster’s Palace, and a woman, dressed in black, stepping out of a vintage Fiat 500. 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 isn’t a scene from a movie, but the opening of a new novel, ‘The Godmother’, set to hit Maltese bookshelves soon.

From Sicily to Malta: A New Mafia Narrative

You’ve heard of ‘The Godfather’, the classic novel and film series that painted a vivid picture of the Sicilian mafia. Now, get ready for a new chapter in the mafia story, this time set in Malta and told from a woman’s perspective. ‘The Godmother’, written by local author Maria Grech, promises to shed light on the often-ignored role of women in the Maltese mafia.

Grech, a native of Birkirkara, draws from her family’s history and local folklore to weave a tale that’s as much about Malta’s cultural heritage as it is about crime and power. “I wanted to tell a story that’s true to our roots,” she says. “Malta has its own mafia history, and it’s time we start talking about it openly.”

Women in Malta’s Mafia: More Than Just ‘Mafia Wives’

‘The Godmother’ isn’t just about a woman taking over her father’s criminal empire. It’s about the complex roles women play in the mafia, often behind the scenes. “Women in the Maltese mafia aren’t just ‘mafia wives’,” Grech explains. “They’re powerful figures in their own right, running businesses, making deals, and sometimes, even pulling the strings.”

Grech’s protagonist, Maria, is a testament to this. She’s a woman who navigates the treacherous waters of Malta’s criminal underworld, challenging patriarchal norms and carving out her own path. “Maria isn’t a saint or an anti-hero,” Grech says. “She’s a woman trying to survive in a man’s world, making tough decisions and living with the consequences.”

Malta’s Mafia Past: Fact or Fiction?

While ‘The Godmother’ is a work of fiction, it’s grounded in reality. Malta has its own mafia history, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. The ‘Cosa Nostra’ from Sicily found a foothold in Malta, and local criminal networks emerged, often involved in smuggling, gambling, and extortion.

Today, Malta’s mafia is said to be less prominent, but it’s still a part of the island’s underbelly. “It’s not a topic we like to talk about openly,” says Dr. Joseph Aquilina, a local historian. “But it’s a part of our history, and it’s important we acknowledge it.” Aquilina believes that novels like ‘The Godmother’ can help spark conversations about Malta’s criminal past.

Grech agrees. “I hope ‘The Godmother’ will encourage people to look at our history with a critical eye,” she says. “It’s not all sunshine and sea views. There’s a dark side too, and it’s time we start exploring it.”

So, mark your calendars, Malta. ‘The Godmother’ is set to hit local bookstores in late 2023. It promises to be a gripping tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of our beloved island. Will you dare to turn the page?