‘Stories Revisited’: A nostalgic portrait of growing up in Malta

Do you remember the scent of freshly baked ħobż biż-Żejt wafting through the air as you walked home from school on a sunny afternoon? Or the echo of your laughter bouncing off the ancient walls of the Ġgantija Temples as you played tag with your friends? These are the memories that Malta-born author, Mario Vella, is bringing back to life in his latest book, ‘Stories Revisited’.

Revisiting Childhood Through Words

Vella, a seasoned writer who has called both Malta and Australia home, has crafted a collection of short stories that transport readers back to a simpler time. The book is a love letter to his childhood, growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in the small town of Żebbuġ, nestled in the heart of Malta.

“I wanted to capture the essence of growing up in Malta during that era,” Vella explains. “The way we played, the food we ate, the traditions we upheld – it’s all so different from today. I hope these stories serve as a reminder of our shared past.”

From Ħamrun to Żurrieq: A Journey Through Malta

Vella’s stories take readers on a journey across the Maltese Islands, from the bustling streets of Ħamrun to the quiet, winding lanes of Żurrieq. Each tale is a snapshot of a different time and place, yet they are all tied together by the common thread of childhood.

In ‘The Lemon Tree’, we meet a young boy who discovers a hidden lemon tree in his grandmother’s backyard in Żebbuġ. The tree becomes his secret sanctuary, a place where he can escape the noise of the world and dream of adventure. In ‘The Street Lamp’, a group of friends in Ħamrun find magic in the simple act of turning on a street lamp, transforming a dark alley into a playground under the moon.

Preserving Malta’s Cultural Heritage

For Vella, writing these stories was not just about revisiting his own past, but also about preserving Malta’s cultural heritage. “Our island has changed so much over the years,” he says. “I wanted to capture some of that old Malta, the one that’s disappearing bit by bit, before it’s too late.”

Vella’s commitment to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage is evident in the meticulous detail he pours into each story. He remembers the taste of Ħobż biż-Żejt, the smell of the sea at Marsaxlokk on a Sunday morning, the sound of the church bell ringing in Żebbuġ. These sensory details bring his stories to life, transporting readers back to a time when life was simpler, slower, and filled with wonder.

But ‘Stories Revisited’ is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s also a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect us, to teach us, and to inspire us. Vella’s stories are a testament to the fact that no matter where we come from, or what our circumstances may be, we all share a common humanity. We all have stories to tell, and they are all worth hearing.

So, pick up a copy of ‘Stories Revisited’. Let Vella’s words take you back to a time when life was simpler, when the world was full of possibilities, and when growing up in Malta was an adventure.

You can find ‘Stories Revisited’ in local bookstores, including the Malta Bookshop in Valletta and the Agenda Bookshop in Sliema. It’s also available online on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. For more information about the book and the author, visit mariovella.com.