Before the Rocket

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Malta, 2064.

The island is being battered by rising waves and scorching heat. The Italian regime has colonised Malta and is using it as a base for their space exploration programme. Following the tragic death of his grandmother and mentor, the famous photographer Rika Dimech, Petrel sets off in search of her roots, initially only planning to spend a couple of weeks on the occupied island. He soon finds himself entwined in its past, present and future, always gravitating towards the same house in the village of Ħaż-Żebbuġ…

Before the Rocket is a masterful work of speculative fiction that launches readers on a gripping journey through time in pursuit of freedom.

Winner of the National Book Prize of Malta 2018.
Winner English PEN Translates Award.

Publishing September 2025
Author: Loranne Vella
Translated by Kat Storace
Paperback, 380 pages
ISBN: 9781739994853

*NB. Copies will be shipped out w/c 22 September.