A vegetable soup that helped resolve a political crisis. A hermit who escaped to Comino after being condemned by the Pope to burn at the stake. A monsignor who wanted the Maltese language written in Arabic script. And a legendary donkey — the same one said to have carried Christ into Jerusalem — making its way across the Mediterranean and stopping in Malta on the route to Verona.These are just some of the curious stories, myths, and overlooked moments explored in Frak mill-Istorja – ħarsa minn taħt, a new book by former minister and educator Evarist Bartolo.In the publication, Bartolo gathers 80 short reflections — “crumbs of history” — drawn from Malta’s 8,500 years of human presence. Rather than focusing on the powerful, Bartolo examines history from the ground up: through the eyes of ordinary people, the ruled rather than the rulers, the underdogs rather than the elites.The book draws heavily on research carried out by historians in the decades following Malta’s Independence, highlighting the layers of cultural exchange, conflict, and coexistence that shaped the islands as empires vied for control of the Mediterranean.In his foreword, Bartolo quotes Terry Pratchett to underline the importance of historical awareness:“It is important that we know where we come from, because if you do not know where you come from, then you don’t know where you are, and if you don’t know where you are, then you don’t know where you’re going. And if you don’t know where you’re going, you’re probably going wrong.”Frak mill-Istorja – ħarsa minn taħt, published by Sensiela Kotba Soċjalisti (SKS), will be launched on 28th November at 6.30pm at MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space). The public is invited to attend, with historians Emanuel Buttigieg and Liam Gauci expected to speak about the book. Bartolo will also be present to meet attendees.Will you be grabbing a copy of this book?•