Lina Brockdorff's latest book, Sireni u Serenati, provides a totally different and personal perspective of life in the Maltese islands during World War Two. Just published by Klabb Kotba Maltin, this new book is set to become a milestone for anyone seeking a better understanding of this part of our recent history.

"The book's title refers to the sirens and serenades that our life literally evolved around," explains Ms Brockdorff. "The air raid sirens were, of course, a constant reminder of imminent air attack whilst the serenades were sung by my father Patrick Mahoney, in his unfailing efforts to maintain family morale and some sense of normality in what were essentially very grim times in horrific surroundings.

"I felt I simply had to write this book, if only to give today's generation a better appreciation of the freedom and quality of life we now enjoy."

"So far, only male authors have written in Maltese about this period," commented Paul Mizzi, director of publishers Klabb Kotba Maltin.

"The minute we read the manuscript, we knew this was a very strong proposition. In light, accessible and idiomatic Maltese, Lina Brockdorff - a young girl during the war - provides insights that are unique and compelling. She successfully balances the cherished memories and touching detail of a young family struggling to cope, with broader accounts and canny observations of a society plunged into turmoil."

The book also contains Dawl fid-Dell ta' l-Istorja, a critical study by Anton Agius Muscat, who evaluates the work and provides a historical-literary backdrop.

Sireni u Serenati is available from leading bookshops or directly from the publishers.

A prolific author and radio broadcaster, Ms Brockdorff has penned numerous articles, poems, short stories, radio plays and essays in Maltese. Her previously published works include Kien Kwinta l-Qamar, a romantic novel.