Rediscovering Malta: A Nostalgic Journey Through ‘Stories Revisited’

Remember the scent of fresh bread wafting through the cobbled streets of Mdina on a Sunday morning? That’s the aroma of nostalgia, the perfume of a Maltese childhood. It’s this scent, and a thousand other memories, that artist and author, Alexia Cassar, has captured in her latest book, ‘Stories Revisited’.

Born and bred in Malta, Cassar’s work is a love letter to her homeland, a nostalgic portrait of growing up in the sun-kissed islands. Her book is not just a collection of stories; it’s a journey back in time, a revisit to the Malta of yesteryears, seen through the eyes of a child.

Cassar’s stories are set in various locations around Malta, from the quiet, winding streets of Siġġiewi to the bustling, historic streets of Valletta. Each location is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, shaping the narrative and the characters that inhabit it.

Take, for instance, the story ‘The Lemon Tree’. It’s set in the quiet, rural village of Siġġiewi, where Cassar grew up. The lemon tree in the story is not just a tree; it’s a symbol of childhood, of freedom, of the simple joys of climbing a tree and daydreaming. It’s a symbol of Siġġiewi itself, a village that time seems to have forgotten, where life moves at a slower pace.

‘Stories Revisited’ is not just a collection of memories; it’s a time capsule of Maltese childhood. Cassar’s stories are filled with references that will resonate with anyone who grew up in Malta. From the ‘Ħalfa’ (the traditional Maltese boat) races to the ‘Festa’ (feast) celebrations, from the ‘Pastizzi’ (Maltese pastry) to the ‘Qagħqa’ (traditional Maltese toy), Cassar’s stories are a celebration of Malta’s culture and heritage.

The book is also a testament to the power of storytelling. Cassar’s stories are not just about her childhood; they’re about the universal experiences of growing up. They’re about the joy of discovery, the pain of loss, the thrill of adventure, the comfort of home. They’re about the stories that shape us, that make us who we are.

In the words of Cassar herself, “Stories are like seeds. They might seem small and insignificant, but they have the power to grow, to take root, to become something bigger than themselves. They have the power to connect us, to remind us of who we are, where we come from.”

‘Stories Revisited’ is more than just a book. It’s an invitation to revisit our past, to remember the stories that shaped us, the experiences that made us who we are. It’s an invitation to revisit Malta, not just as it is now, but as it was, as it always will be, in our memories.

So, go ahead, pick up a copy of ‘Stories Revisited’. Let Cassar’s words transport you back in time. Let them remind you of the scent of fresh bread in the morning, the taste of ‘Pastizzi’ on a sunny afternoon, the sound of laughter echoing through the streets of your childhood. Let them remind you of home.