Books for slow Maltese afternoons

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how we choose to spend our time, especially as the days stretch out long and golden. The news about the call for illustration submissions for the Malta Book Festival 2026 exhibition caught my eye, a gentle reminder that creativity, like good reading, often flourishes in moments of quiet reflection. There’s something deeply appealing about the idea of slowing down, particularly when the Maltese sun encourages a certain languid pace.

Those long, unhurried afternoons, when the heat outside makes bustling about seem utterly absurd, are a precious commodity. We live in a world that constantly demands our attention, pulling us in a thousand different directions. There's a persistent hum of expectation to be productive, to be 'on' all the time. But what about the quiet art of simply being? What about those moments when the cicadas are loud and the only urgent task is to find a cooler spot on the sofa, perhaps with a glass of Kinnie and a book? It's in these lulls that we often find ourselves truly connecting with our thoughts, allowing ideas to germinate, or simply finding solace in another's words. It’s a space for deliberate unwinding, a chance to refill the well, rather than perpetually drawing from it. This isn't about escaping reality, but rather about enriching it, allowing ourselves the luxury of depth in a world that so often prizes superficial breadth.

So, when those slow Maltese afternoons call, here are some books that invite you to truly lean into the stillness.

Pinch Me

Francesca Ramsay's exploration of what it means to feel real in our contemporary world is a perfect companion for a reflective afternoon. It’s the kind of book that prompts quiet contemplation, encouraging you to examine your own existence and perceptions. Ramsay's insights offer a gentle but profound journey, ideal for when you have the mental space to truly absorb and ponder.

Getting the Love You Want – A Guide for Couples

While this might seem like a book for active engagement, Harville Hendrix's guide for couples is surprisingly apt for a slow afternoon. It's not about immediate action but deep understanding. Taking the time to read and digest its wisdom in a relaxed setting allows for a more meaningful absorption of its principles, fostering connection in a calm, unpressured way.

The Humans

Matt Haig's tender, quietly funny novel is a perfect companion for an unhurried Maltese afternoon. Narrated by an alien sent to Earth who slowly discovers wonder in the smallest human moments — a cup of tea, peanut butter, a Beach Boys song — it asks gently what actually makes a life worth living. Nothing about it is rushed, which is precisely the point: it rewards a slow read and leaves you a little kinder, a little more curious about ordinary things.

Find your next companion for a quiet afternoon on BookClub.com.mt. We have a book for every mood and every moment.

Curated by BookClub.com.mt — Malta’s independent online bookshop.