In this astonishing untold account of heroism and history, two American Merchant Mariners board a burning, sinking ship in the Mediterranean and change the course of World War II.
Just joined the book club and am personally pleased with this selection--my husband and I spent two weeks on Malta a few years ago.
Malta is about the size Washington Co., and people would say, "What on earth are you going to do on Malta for 2 weeks!"
There is lots to do, as this first chapter indicates. Malta, as we also found on Sicily, was a key location in the Mediterranean and was occupied for long periods by different civilizations from the most ancient prehistoric groups through to the British beginning in 1814. Each group left its mark because they lived there for a long period.
Joan - Thank you for sharing the information on Malta. Your vacation to the area had to be very interesting. I noticed that you referred to Washington Co. Do you mean county?
Years ago I worked with a man who had been in Malta (his place of birth) during WWII. He very proudly carried in his wallet a card with a picture of Queen Elizabeth on one side and on the other a message of thanks from the queen for the valor displayed on Malta during the war. He said every resident of the island received such a card for all that was endured during that time. He talked very little about the time so this book is very interesting for me.
This book seems like it will be quite interesting. I have heard of Malta, but know next to nothing about it. I am interested in the unrelenting quality of the native people and the hugeness of their faith as mentionned briefly in the first chapter.
This book looks really interesting. Though I have heard a little about Malta, I really don't know much about it. I am intrigued by the resilience of the native people there and the hugeness of their faith as mentionned in the first chapter. I am also excited to learn more about this island, its inhabitants and all that has happened there.
Yes, I do mean Washington County. Malta is not a large island, and we were really surprised at its complicated history and numerous sites from neolithic ruins to recent history. For example, old Roman ruins, an ossuary, were discovered just a few years ago when someone wanted to build a house.
Joan:
Thank you for the information. I am a Wisconsin resident and Washington Co caught my eye.
Your vacation to Malta had to be unique. It's referred to as the "gem of the Mediterranean". As someone who enjoys history, I found this interesting reading. I also did a bit of research. For example, Malta has historical structures which date 1000 years prior to the pyramids in Egypt. The society appeared rather well developed and for some time as they have had medical, dental and nursing schools for several hundred of years.
What do you buy for a husband that has everything? I think this book might be just the right thing for his eclectic library. He loves history and a good read and this fits the bill.
Mary
