VOCE BOOKS (CLUB): BEFORE THE ROCKET

Join us for the opening session of the VOCE BOOKS (CLUB) for 2026 where we’ll be training our literary gaze for the very first time on the Mediterranean island of Malta with the award-winning BEFORE THE ROCKET by LORANNE VELLA, translated from Maltese by KAT STORACE & published by PRASPAR PRESS.

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.

LORANNE VELLA is a Maltese writer, translator & performer based in Brussels. She has won the Malta National Book Council's National Book Prize several times, including Best Novel in Maltese or English for ‘Rokit’ and ‘Marta Marta’. She is co-editor of the Maltese-language literary journal Aphroconfuso.

TICKETS: £12 book & entry

Spaces are limited & offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so we kindly ask that you reserve your ticket by purchasing a copy of the book here on our Eventbrite page, link in bio. We will notify you via email when the book is ready to collect.

VOCE BOOKS is located at 54-57 Allison Street, Digbeth with step-free access via BRIG Café. For further enquiries about the event, or to discuss any other access requirements please email [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Voce Books, 54-57 Allison Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom

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