High Mountains of Portugal (2016) Spice (2024) The Wines of Portugal (2024) The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon (1996) Blindness (1997) ~Wrath of God: The Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 (2008) Alentejo Blue (2006) Lisbon: City of the Sea (2007) Night Train to Lisbon (2014) 500 Hidden Secrets of Lisbon (2016) The History of the Siege of Lisbon (1989) Portugal: The Cookbook (2020) The Carnation Revolution (2024) Porto; Gateway to the World (2020) Why do book collections matter? Book a consultation with a ~personal curator Contact Quick Links Follow us @ultimatelibrary Join our community
14 Books to Read for a Greater Sense of Portugal
23 Oct 2024
Portugal’s rich culture is steeped in history, from its signature dishes and world-class wines to its role as a force shaping the modern world. Home to the world’s oldest bookstore—Bertrand, established in 1732—it’s no surprise that Portugal has inspired countless writers to capture its unique essence. In anticipation of the upcoming opening of the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, we’re sharing a list of titles that offer diverse perspectives on this vibrant country. Whether you’re drawn to the historical or modern, the classic or contemporary, the local perspective or an outsider’s view, each book provides insight into Portugal’s distinctive spirit. Perfect for reminiscing, preparing for an upcoming adventure, or discovering Portugal for the first time, our booklist has something for every reader.
by Yann Martel
From the celebrated author of
Life of Pi
comes a
New York Times
bestseller that weaves together the lives of three characters navigating grief. A man, devastated by heartbreak, embarks on a quest for an artefact that could rewrite history. A widow seeking a doctor carries her husband in a suitcase. And a Canadian senator, starting a new life in Portugal, finds unexpected companionship in a chimp named Odo. Through Martel’s signature magical realism, this novel captures the raw and profoundly human journey of healing, loss, and rediscovery.~
by Roger Crowley
Join Crowley on an epic voyage from the bustling dockyards of Seville to the volcanic Spice Islands, navigating shipwrecks and sieges as he reveals how the quest for spices linked oceans, built empires, and transformed the world economy. This vivid account traces the European "discovery" of the Spice Islands and the fierce competition for control over these prized resources—setting the stage for global trade as we know it.
by Richard mayson
An in-depth exploration of the country’s wine regions, producers, and unique grape varieties. From the crisp Vinhos Verdes of the northwest to the bold reds of the Alentejo and emerging wines of the Algarve, Richard Mayson offers a comprehensive guide to Portugal's diverse viticulture.
by Richard Zimler
In 1506, as fear and suspicion grip the city, renowned kabbalist Abraham Zarco is found brutally murdered, a young woman lying dead beside him. In a time when Portuguese Jews are forced to conceal their faith or face persecution, Abraham’s nephew, Berekiah, a gifted manuscript illuminator, begins his own investigation. Zimler crafts a spellbinding thriller that unearths the dark dangers of intolerance and celebrates resilience in the face of oppression.
by Jose Saramago
From Portugal’s most celebrated author and 1998 Nobel Prize winner comes a masterwork of haunting beauty and chilling insight. Set in a dystopian world gripped by an epidemic of "white blindness," readers are plunged into a society unravelling at the seams. As the infected escape the burning asylum meant to contain them, Saramago depicts the crumbling of civility with relentless power and poeticism.
by Edward Paice
Praised by
The Spectator, Literary Review
, and the
Daily Telegraph
for his vivid portrayal of 18th-century Lisbon, Paice offers a detailed account that immerses readers in the chaos and devastation following the colossal earthquake that struck Europe’s fourth-largest city. This catastrophe not only claimed 60,000 lives and destroyed 85% of Lisbon's buildings but also sent shockwaves through Europe's collective consciousness. Through Paice’s masterful writing, discover how one natural disaster left an indelible mark on an entire continent’s spirit and ideas.
by Monica Ali
Set against the landscape of Portugal’s Alentejo province, this collection of short stories by Ali introduces unforgettable characters who, as
People
magazine notes, “etch themselves into one’s memory.” Through the lens of locals and travelers alike, Ali explores themes of displacement and modernisation, bringing to life the dreams, desires, and disappointments of each individual. With a rare and moving depth, each vignette captures the complex, often bittersweet moments of life in a rapidly changing world.
by Malcolm Jack
This rich portrait of Lisbon sweeps from its origins in Greek mythology to its imperial height in the sixteenth century and, finally, to the vibrant city it is today. Malcolm Jack reveals the true spirit of Lisbon through the eyes of poets, writers, and musicians who have drawn inspiration from its history and vibrant culture. This thoughtful exploration of the capital’s steep, unsymmetrical streets is both engaging and accessible, perfect for visitors and anyone fascinated by European history.
by Pascal Mercier
Raimund Gregorius, a reserved 57-year-old Classics scholar, finds his structured life shattered after an encounter with a stranger and a chance discovery of a book by the enigmatic Portuguese author, Amadeu de Prado. Captivated by Prado’s haunting reflections, Raimund impulsively abandons his routine and boards the night train to Lisbon, determined to unravel the author’s life and philosophy. As Raimund retraces Prado’s footsteps, his journey compels him to confront the roads he left untraveled.
by Miguel Judice
Written by a local, this insightful and heartfelt guide to Lisbon invites you to uncover the city’s hidden gems—from the finest spots to admire traditional Azulejos to secluded beaches and even unique elevators. Skip the tourist crowds and discover Lisbon like a true resident, venturing off the beaten path to experience Miguel Júdice’s 500 greatest spots and interesting facts about his hometown.
by Jose Saramago
When proofreader Raimundo Silva daringly inserts a single negative into a historical text, he changes the entire course of the 1147 Siege of Lisbon—and his own life. Instead of facing censure, Raimundo captures the admiration of his new editor, Dr. Maria Sara, who challenges him to create his own version of history. What follows is a moving love story between a proofreader and his inspiring editor, weaving together romance and a profound meditation on how we reimagine the past.
by Leandro Carreira
A celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage with over 550 traditional recipes from every region. From Algarve’s seafood to Douro Valley stews and Lisbon’s iconic pastries, chef Leandro Carreira presents a diverse collection that captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine and its global influence.
by Alex Fernades
Labelled a "political thriller" by
The Times
, Fernandes's account of the extraordinary acts of resistance by everyday people is more gripping than fiction. In vivid detail, he unpacks the events that made the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, possible, ending Portugal’s 48-year fascist regime. This is the story of daring escapes from five-story prisons, soldiers defying their superiors, and simple acts of courage by thousands of citizens. It’s the tale of how a small group of young captains dismantled a vast empire.
by Niell Lochery
Hailed by the
Wall Street Journal
as “evocative…fascinating and readable,” Lochery brings Porto’s rich history to life through the city’s iconic landmarks and architecture. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Porto is renowned for its Port wine and has blossomed into a dynamic commercial and cultural hub that proudly honours its historical roots.
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