This amusing but thought-provoking “Tale of History and Imagination” is a well-studied blend of romance and politics.

It will give the reader the opportunity to reflect on history as it might have been had Malta remained French after 1800, should Napoleon have returned after the Battle of Aboukir to repossess the Island. It traces Malta’s development as a French Protectorate through the years till 1964.

This unusual blend of fact and faction will be published in the autumn on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Malta’s independence by Midsea Books. The translation from French into English is by Simone Mizzi.

Mr Destremau will be donating all proceeds from the book to Din l-Art Helwa, an organisation which he supported during his stay in Malta and of which he is a life member. `