Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Reading Guide · 2026

Best Books in Malta

Malta's contribution to world literature reflects a tradition of serious engagement with language, story, and ideas. From classic texts that have shaped generations of readers to contemporary voices finding new international audiences, the country's literary scene is one of the most productive outside the major European traditions.

Why Read Malta Literature?

To read the great books of Malta is to enter a conversation that has been going on for generations — between writers and their society, between the country and the world, between the past and the present. The works ranked here represent the best of that conversation as recognised by international critical consensus.

The Top 10 Books from Malta

Ranked by aggregate editorial consensus score

#1
Cover of In the Name of the Father (and of the Son)
literary-fiction

In the Name of the Father (and of the Son)

Immanuel Mifsud· 2010
Editorial Score30/100
#2
Cover of The Kappillan of Malta
historical-fiction

The Kappillan of Malta

Nicholas Monsarrat· 1973
Editorial Score30/100
#3
Rih Isfel
literary-fiction

Rih Isfel

Trevor Żahra· 1980
Editorial Score30/100
#4
Il-Ħajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa
short-stories

Il-Ħajja Sigrieta tan-Nanna Ġenoveffa

Pierre J. Mejlak· 2011
Editorial Score30/100
#5
Sriep ta' l-Ilium
literary-fiction

Sriep ta' l-Ilium

Alex Vella Gera· 2011
Editorial Score30/100
Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

Our ranked list of books from Malta is built on an aggregate editorial score that draws on Nobel Prize recognitions, Booker Prize shortlists, Pulitzer Prize winners, and 40+ other major literary awards and critical surveys. Each book's score reflects the breadth and weight of its editorial recognition — a book that wins the Nobel Prize scores differently from one that appears on a single regional list.

Use the category and prize filters to narrow your reading list, or browse the full ranking to discover titles you might not have encountered before. Every book on this list has earned its place through documented critical recognition, not popularity metrics or reader reviews.

Malta Literature — Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute best books from Malta?

The highest-ranked books from Malta are In the Name of the Father (and of the Son) by Immanuel Mifsud, The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat, Rih Isfel by Trevor Żahra. These titles have the strongest editorial consensus scores across major international prizes.

Where should I start reading Malta literature?

Begin with the top-scored titles in our list — books that score above 70 on our editorial scale are broadly acclaimed and accessible to newcomers. In the Name of the Father (and of the Son) is an excellent starting point.

Which Malta authors have won the Nobel Prize in Literature?

Malta has a distinguished Nobel Prize tradition. Our rankings prominently feature these laureates alongside other internationally recognised authors from the country.

Are there any classic books from Malta I should know?

Malta's literary canon includes essential classics that have shaped world literature. Look for titles in our Classic Literature category for foundational reads from this country.

How current is this list of books from Malta?

Our rankings are updated regularly based on new editorial mentions, prize announcements, and critical re-evaluations. The list was last reviewed in 2026.

What genres are most prominent in Malta literature?

Malta's literary tradition spans multiple genres. Our rankings reflect the full breadth of the country's output, from literary fiction and poetry to history and memoir.

Browse All Malta Books →