Cassell Military Classics: The Kappillan of Malta

by Nicholas Monsarrat

Book Overview

A classic novel set in the siege of Malta 1940-1942 from the bestselling author of The Cruel Sea This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0304358444
• ISBN13: 9780304358441
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Cassell
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.1" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A walk down memory lane.

I am sixty years old in the fifties we lived on the island of Malta this book is the truest representation of the place and history laden time transferred into a work of fiction that I have ever read. One is not only entertained but gently educated which is of course the way of the people of Malta. The sad thing is this author did not write many many more books. He was a brilliant man and a literary treasure. Take this volume with you to a quiet place and journey back through time meet the people and walk the streets of Malta. Learn something about a quickly disappearing way of life. You will not be disappointed at any price.

The Kappillan Keeps Giving

I decided to look this book up again, decades after I first read it. Because it haunts me and stays with me always. My grandfather gave me a copy of Monsarrat's novel as a teenager, one of his must read classics, like Youngblood Hawke. I was riveted from page one. The Kappillan of Malta is a brilliant, Michener-esque journey through Maltese history. Set during World War II, narrated through the worldview of a priest trying to save people from the bombardments by hiding in the caverns, this story seamlessly moves through time, from past to present and everywhere in between, mapping the island, her people, and their souls. It is an amazing journey. I cannot recommend this books highly enough. Grandfather, you were right. A definite must read.

a history of malta and a priest's story in ww2 time

two stories here--a history of malta and a priest's story during ww2 maltathis book is superbly written and provides the reader an incredible history of a not too well known country.

Well written, immersive novel a must-read!

Nicholas Monsarrat presents a well written story which draws you in. This is the story of father Salvatore, an ordinary priest who rises to extraordinary circumstances. While the main story is set in mediterranean Malta in 1940-1942, Nicholas Monsarrat manages to seamlessly weave in malta's history from the dawn of time. Story: Father Salvatore, whose church is bombed early on in the scirmishes between Italy/Germany and Malta, provides comfort and solace to a growing number of desperate maltese by showing them what hardships malta and its inhabitants have had to endure throughout the ages and how they have managed to come out stronger every time. The growing popularity of Salvatore and his church in the ancient catacombs is seen as a threat by other clergymen and he faces a constant struggle to keep doing what is his calling..If I have managed to make it all sound boring.. it's not! Buy it, borrow it, but whatever you do read it!