Portugal Journey

Summer is a time to relax, enjoy long days by the sea, and immerse yourself in a good book. Portugal has inspired numerous captivating novels that bring the country’s landscapes, history, and spirit to life. Written by Portuguese authors—or by writers who have chosen Portugal as their home—these books offer a unique window into the nation’s soul. They provide an engaging and enriching way to discover Portugal’s culture, traditions, and identity, making them the perfect companions for summer reading.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998, José Saramago is, without question, Portugal’s most internationally renowned literary figure. His 1984 novel The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces—a profound portrait of a melancholic Lisbon during a troubled period in history.

The novel follows Ricardo Reis, one of Fernando Pessoa’s heteronyms, who returns to Lisbon from Brazil and spends his final months in the city before his death. The story is set in 1936, a year marked by growing political tensions across Europe, including the rise of fascism and the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. From Lisbon, Reis observes these events unfolding around him, yet remains emotionally detached and reluctant to engage with them.

Reading the novel offers a fascinating opportunity to discover Lisbon through Saramago’s narrative and to reflect on the remarkable transformations the city has undergone since then.

In this captivating Lisbon-set novel, Swiss classics teacher Raimund Gregorius embarks on an unexpected journey that transforms his life. A chance encounter with a mysterious Portuguese woman inspires him to abandon his routine existence and travel to Lisbon. Carrying a book written by the Portuguese physician and philosopher Amadeu de Prado, Gregorius becomes deeply absorbed in its reflections on life, identity, and freedom. Fascinated by the author’s voice, he sets out to uncover Prado’s story, tracing the lives of those who knew him.

As his search takes him through the streets of Lisbon, Gregorius gradually pieces together the remarkable life of a man who resisted oppression during Portugal’s authoritarian past. Blending mystery, philosophy, and history, this compelling novel becomes both a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of Portugal under Salazar’s dictatorship.

António Tabucchi was an Italian writer and academic who taught Portuguese language and literature at the University of Siena, Italy. Deeply fascinated by Portugal, he became a renowned scholar, critic, and translator of the works of Fernando Pessoa. His novel Pereira Maintains serves as a powerful warning against political apathy and authoritarianism. The story centers on Dr. Pereira, a widowed journalist living in pre-war Lisbon, whose life is transformed when he meets Monteiro Rossi, a young aspiring writer. Known for its distinctive language and innovative narrative style, the novel traces Pereira’s gradual and reluctant journey toward moral courage, political awareness, and ultimately, selfless action.

Richard Zimler is an American author who has lived in Portugal for more than three decades. He has made a significant contribution to literature through his novels, which explore themes of history, mysticism, and human nature. His novel The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon is a compelling historical work set against the backdrop of the anti-Jewish riots that took place in 16th-century Lisbon. The protagonist, Berekiah Zarco, inherits his uncle Abraham’s talents in manuscript illustration and Kabbalah. After his uncle is murdered during the riots, Berekiah’s search for the killer leads him into a deeper and far-reaching mystery.

We hope these book recommendations provide enjoyable summer reading and inspire you to start discovering Portugal. If you would like to learn more about our culture, heritage, and programs, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

Wishing you a summer of good reading and beautiful days!