Books from Portugal

When a mysterious epidemic of 'white blindness' sweeps through a city, the afflicted are quarantined in an abandoned mental hospital. Inside, chaos reigns as a criminal element takes control, hoarding resources and preying on the vulnerable. Amidst the horror, a single woman, inexplicably spared from the blindness, must guide a small group of strangers through the increasingly brutal conditions and the desolate streets outside, searching for survival and humanity.

Fernando Pessoa's "The Book of Disquiet" is a collection of fragmented thoughts from Bernardo Soares, an assistant bookkeeper. This work explores the existential musings and melancholic reflections of a soul grappling with life's meaning and identity. It offers a unique look into the inner landscape of a complex mind.

• unreliable narrator

In a world where death suddenly ceases to exist, humanity faces an unprecedented crisis. The grim reaper, tired of her work, decides to take a break, leaving everyone immortal. This unexpected change forces society to confront the profound implications of eternal life.

In August 1938, as Europe descends into fascism and war, Pereira, the cultural editor of a Lisbon newspaper, meticulously recounts a tragic period of his life. Obsessed with death, this ordinary man has long sought refuge in the past, avoiding the harsh realities of his present. However, a series of encounters will soon challenge his detachment, forcing him to confront the limitations of aesthetic considerations in a world on the brink.

• unreliable narrator
• redemption arc

This volume presents a comprehensive collection of poems by Alvaro de Campos, one of Fernando Pessoa's most celebrated heteronyms. Readers will discover a significant body of work from this influential voice in Portuguese modernism. The collection offers a deep dive into Campos's unique perspective and lyrical style.

In 'Dreams of Dreams,' a character recounts a series of vivid and often surreal dreams, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. This introspective journey delves into memory, identity, and the nature of storytelling itself, inviting readers to ponder the meaning behind these nocturnal visions.

This charming collection of comics from the popular Instagram account @purr.in.ink offers a daily dose of joy and affection from our feline friends. Illustrator Luis Coelho captures the essence of cat-love with sweet affirmations and gentle reminders to embrace life's little moments, from chasing dreams to refilling food bowls. It's the perfect pick-me-up for any cat enthusiast or anyone needing a little extra paws-itivity.

Join seasoned hunter Allan Quatermain on an expedition into the heart of Africa. He joins his friends Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good in a search for a missing man and the legendary King Solomon's Mines. This adventure promises a journey into the unknown.

• quest
• survival

A scathing 19th-century Portuguese satire by Eça de Queiroz, this classic of Naturalism exposes the hypocrisy and corruption beneath a pious facade. Father Amaro, a young priest in Leiria, leads a double life: outwardly devout while secretly indulging in an affair with Amélia that ultimately costs her everything. As his deception spirals out of control, the novel becomes a devastating indictment of clerical abuse of power and moral decay within the Church.

• morally grey
• betrayal

António Lobo Antunes's novel explores the decay of a family and an entire society, corrupted by decades of totalitarian rule. It follows Senhor Francisco, a powerful state minister and friend of Salazar, who expects to become prime minister after Salazar's incapacitation in 1968. When he is passed over, Francisco retreats to his farm, plotting a coup with other disgruntled officials. After a younger generation of officers stages their own coup in 1974, Francisco descends into paranoia, isolating himself on his farm to battle imagined threats.

• anti hero
• morally grey
• unreliable narrator
• multiple povs

The Natural Order of Things is a tale of two families and the secrets that bind them. The voices of Antunes' characters -- an army officer being tortured in prison on charges of conspiracy; an elderly man, once a miner in Mozambique, now reduced to dreams of "flying underground"; a diabetic teenage girl and the middle-aged husband she despises; the officer's illegitimate sister, locked away to haunt the house like Bertha Rochester in Jane Eyre -- create a portrait of a disintegrating Portugal, a personal political history that attains the brilliance and surreality of Elias Canetti and Nikolai Gogol.

This collection features short stories from a diverse group of female authors, exploring themes of identity, society, and the future. Each piece offers a unique perspective, showcasing a range of styles and voices. It's a look at contemporary issues through a speculative lens.

• multiple povs

This academic volume offers a comprehensive exploration of Portuguese history. It delves into significant events, figures, and developments that shaped the nation, providing a detailed account for scholarly readers.

This book offers a comprehensive look at the history of Portugal, from its earliest beginnings to more contemporary times. It explores the political, social, and cultural evolution of the nation, providing a detailed account of key events and figures that shaped its destiny. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of Portugal's rich heritage and its place in global history.

This novel follows a young girl navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and self-discovery. Told through the intimate entries of her red notebook, she shares her thoughts and experiences as she grows up and learns karate. It's a story about finding your voice and strength during formative years.

• coming of age
• epistolary