Remember the scent of jasmine that used to fill the air around St. George’s Square in Valletta during summer evenings? Or the echo of your laughter bouncing off the walls of the old bomb shelter in your neighborhood? These are the memories that Maltese author and storyteller, Claire Azzopardi, is revisiting and sharing in her latest book, ‘Stories Revisited’.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Born and raised in Birkirkara, Claire’s stories are a mix Malta’s past, woven with threads of nostalgia and local charm. From the time when the only way to get to the beach was by bus, to the days when the smell of fresh bread from the bakery was a morning alarm, her stories are a love letter to a simpler time.

‘Stories Revisited’ is not just a collection of tales; it’s a journey back in time, a chance to relive the innocence of childhood in Malta. It’s the story of the little boy who found a hidden treasure in the ruins of the old British barracks, and the girl who discovered the magic of books in the quiet corners of the National Library.

Capturing the Essence of Malta’s Childhood

Claire’s stories are not just about her own experiences. They are a reflection of the collective childhood of Malta. They capture the essence of growing up in a small island nation, where everyone knew everyone, and the community was as close-knit as the narrow streets of the Three Cities.

“I wanted to capture the spirit of our childhood,” Claire explains. “The freedom, the simplicity, the joy. I wanted to remind people of the magic that was all around us, even in the most ordinary of places.”

Reviving Lost Traditions

‘Stories Revisited’ is more than just a book. It’s a revival of a lost tradition. In a time when children are more likely to be found with a tablet in hand than a book, Claire’s stories are a reminder of the power of imagination and the joy of getting lost in a good story.

“I want to inspire children to read, to dream, to explore,” Claire says. “I want them to know that the best adventures are not the ones you find on a screen, but the ones you create in your own mind.”

And for the adults? Claire hopes that her stories will spark a sense of nostalgia, a longing for a time when life was simpler, slower. “I want them to remember,” she says. “To remember the joy, the freedom, the magic of growing up in Malta.”