Joe Scicluna

I was born and raised on the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, but have spent most of my life living in the alpine valley of Gresivaudan in southeast France, arguably one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. I draw a sense of balance from the stark contrast between this mountainous region and the sun-baked Mediterranean island which I still call home. As I get older, the more passionate I am becoming about the culture, the heritage and the rich history of the Maltese islands.

It is precisely this passion which motivated me to publish my first two books - translations from French of eyewitness accounts during the period of Napoleon's invasion and occupation in 1798. Following on this same theme, I launched my latest book "Ricasoli Soldier," a historical novel set in the early 19th century, during the first years of British rule in Malta. This book was inspired by true, but little-known, events which took place in 1807. I hope to inspire my readers to want to learn about Malta and what the Maltese people lived through during those years of tumultuous change by means of this true, but gripping, story packed with suspense until the end.