It's a Long Way to Malta

by Paddy Cummins

Malta is a feast to the eye and a tug on the heart. Pastel colored rocks, dry stone walls, little farms of greenery, cute little inlets with multicolored fishing boats, delightful baroque architecture, magnificent church domes, a perfect climate, a leisurely pace of life, charming people, all embraced by a warm blue Mediterranean.
It has become my color postcard, but now I must share it with two million other visitors who come each year, lucky like me, to have discovered this little Heaven.
"Paddy Cummins has created a gripping and emotional book that captivates at every turn of the page. Endlessly fascinating, tensely absorbing, with humorous anecdotes.
This is classic travel writing - a brilliant read."
Michael K Hayes. Renowned Travel Writer. BBC Radio Presenter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Paddy Cummins has twelve books published. Three novels, one epic sea book, one memoir,one autobiography, one self-help (Mind, Body & Spirit) book, one travel book, and four collections of short stories and poems.
His travel book: 'It's a Long Way to Malta' (An Irishman's Gem in the Med) is internationally acclaimed as the first travel book that gets to the heart of the Maltese Islands. It is a multiple Amazon #1.
His new travel book: 'In Love With Malta' (The Hidden Treasures) Has just been published on Kindle.

Paddy lives in Ireland during the summer and spends the winter months in Malta.

Reviews

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would prefer to give this 2.5 stars. It was better than my 2 star rating (didn't like it but finished it anyway) and yet not worth my 3 star rating (liked it but wouldn't read it again). I've read travel memories before that sparked the desire to visit the places, this one not so much. The tone reminded me very much of listening to Cliff Claven (yes, of Cheers). One interesting thing I learned, though. A famous Caravaggio painting is in the church of St. John in Valetta. This fact stuck out because we just hung a different Caravaggio painting in our home.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This friendly and chatty travel tale is for senior persons or those with interest in historical sights, enjoyable food and quiet contemplation. Like many of the visitors to Malta, in fact.

The author has travelled to Malta for several winters by the time of writing, and stays in the same hotel, preferably with a sea view rather than the drying laundry in the courtyard. He gives some practical tips just by relating his journey. We learn that there is only one real Irish pub - the rest are run by Maltese with fake Irish names. We find that the most obese nation in Europe is Britain, followed by Malta. This may have something to do with the number of large British persons he meets holidaying there, enjoying their food. By contrast he minds his weight and regularly walks, including a pre-breakfast scenic hike each day.

The chapters are unbalanced in that the author spends a lengthy number of pages describing what seems to be a standard hotel breakfast, then speeds up as he recounts the recent improvements with 85% EU funding such as revamped harbour, castle walks and buses. We get a good look around Valetta, the castle, artwork, history. Then he crams in a great number of names of sites to the last chapter, perhaps realising that he was running out of time. The last chapter also visits Gozo the nearby island.

While the author seems like a personable, non-intrusive man, we enjoy some of his family recollections and chuckle at his viewpoint of the tourists around him. He has the greatest respect for native Maltese and enjoys the island atmosphere. He mentions how he started writing by taking a creative writing class, and now has several books under his belt.

The majority of readers will accept the casual, spoken style of prose, but I do wish the tutor had taught the author correct English and when to use it. "The woman that taught me creative writing" is not an object, so this should read "the woman who taught me". The presentation of the book is blog style - paragraphs have no indentation and there is a blank line between all paragraphs. This no doubt has come straight from the author's blog but it feels odd for book readers and book formatting would be appreciated.

Certainly if the reader is planning a trip to Malta and wants to check out issues first, this book would be a help. While more activities are mentioned, like the availability of diving and sailing, you will need to bring your own guidebooks on those and on birdwatching.

[Daphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really quick read for my impending trip. Gave me a taste of what the Island's look like to an old Irish guy. It was pretty "meh" for me, but it had some endearing moments. I did learn that apparently old British people love coming to Malta to retire.

[Utsha Sarkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful travelogue on Malta. Gives the reader a good sense of what to explore in this most famous island in Europe. Paddy Cummins writes in a lovely humourous style which keeps the reader engaged throughout. His romanticism with Malta comes alive in his writing and makes you wanting to visit this island ever more. I will be landing on this much celebrated island tomorrow and thanks to Mr Cummins my anticipation and excitement knows no bounds !

[Kathryn Guare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of memoir, a bit of travelogue, a bit of cheeky Irish humor. I really enjoyed reading about Paddy Cummin's love affair with this little slice of paradise. I had no idea Malta had so much to offer, and as if my travel "bucket list" wasn't long enough already, now I have another destination to add!

[Alison]

Kindle travel stories

[Alan Weekes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Malta do this book really did it for me. Made me want to get back on a plane as soon as I started reading. It describes that beautiful island and it's lovely people to perfection.