Thanks for your comment, Lani. That's a wonderful choice. Baltasar and Blimunda was included in my 2024 Summer Reading List, so it's especially gratifying to see it come up again. I'd love to hear what your book club thinks of it once you've finished. - CW
Thank you! Having used our Hilton Honors points to stay at the Palacio on our last trip to Portugal, and having read a bit about its history, I definitely want to read "Estoril." I think "The Portuguese, A Popular History" is excellent – the first book I suggest to anyone going to Portugal for the first time. The author, Barry Hatton, apparently had too much material about Lisbon to fit into one book, so he also wrote another good book “Queen of the Sea: A History of Lisbon”
Also, there’s another good book about walking the length of Portugal: “Walking Europe's Edge: Reflections on Portugal.” The author of that one is British, so it will be interesting to compare it to the perspective of an author whom, I assume, is Portuguese.
Thanks for your comment, Richard. I hadn't heard of Walking Europe's Edge, so that's going onto a future reading list. And thank you for mentioning Queen of the Sea as well.
Estoril caught my attention because of its setting and the fascinating wartime history of the Hotel Palácio and the Estoril coast. It's definitely one of the books on this year's list that I'm most curious about.
One of the things I enjoy most about these annual reading lists is discovering additional titles through readers. Thank you for adding a few more to the shelf! - CW
You're welcome, Maria! I'd love to hear what you think once you've had a chance to read them. And now I'm curious. Which two made it into your cart? - CW
Excellent choices, Maria. Given your Camino adventures, I can see why Afonso Reis Cabral's walking journey along National Road 2 appealed to you. And Sophia de Mello's poetry seems like the perfect companion for reading slowly and thoughtfully. I'll be curious to hear your thoughts once you've spent some time with both. - CW
Thanks, Alison! One of the best parts of this year's list was incorporating reader recommendations. I hope you discover a title or two that finds its way onto your summer reading stack. - CW
Thanks for your comment, Alison. That’s wonderful to hear. I was hoping to include a few books that explored Portugal’s maritime history without feeling overly academic, so I’m glad to know The Last Crusade is being enjoyed. - CW
I always love this list. My book club has chosen Baltasar and Blimunda by Saramago for our summer read.
Thanks for your comment, Lani. That's a wonderful choice. Baltasar and Blimunda was included in my 2024 Summer Reading List, so it's especially gratifying to see it come up again. I'd love to hear what your book club thinks of it once you've finished. - CW
Love this! Thank you!
Thank you for your comment, Joan! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Putting this list together has become one of my favorite annual traditions. - CW
Thank you! Having used our Hilton Honors points to stay at the Palacio on our last trip to Portugal, and having read a bit about its history, I definitely want to read "Estoril." I think "The Portuguese, A Popular History" is excellent – the first book I suggest to anyone going to Portugal for the first time. The author, Barry Hatton, apparently had too much material about Lisbon to fit into one book, so he also wrote another good book “Queen of the Sea: A History of Lisbon”
Also, there’s another good book about walking the length of Portugal: “Walking Europe's Edge: Reflections on Portugal.” The author of that one is British, so it will be interesting to compare it to the perspective of an author whom, I assume, is Portuguese.
This is so great, thank you!
Thanks for your comment, Richard. I hadn't heard of Walking Europe's Edge, so that's going onto a future reading list. And thank you for mentioning Queen of the Sea as well.
Estoril caught my attention because of its setting and the fascinating wartime history of the Hotel Palácio and the Estoril coast. It's definitely one of the books on this year's list that I'm most curious about.
One of the things I enjoy most about these annual reading lists is discovering additional titles through readers. Thank you for adding a few more to the shelf! - CW
Ordered two already. Thank you!
You're welcome, Maria! I'd love to hear what you think once you've had a chance to read them. And now I'm curious. Which two made it into your cart? - CW
Sophia de Mello (poetry) and Afonso Reis Cabral (Estrada Nacional 2) — the latter in Portuguese. Both used paperbacks. Look forward to both.
Excellent choices, Maria. Given your Camino adventures, I can see why Afonso Reis Cabral's walking journey along National Road 2 appealed to you. And Sophia de Mello's poetry seems like the perfect companion for reading slowly and thoughtfully. I'll be curious to hear your thoughts once you've spent some time with both. - CW
I will report back.
Great list. Thanks!
Thanks, Alison! One of the best parts of this year's list was incorporating reader recommendations. I hope you discover a title or two that finds its way onto your summer reading stack. - CW
My husband has been reading and really enjoying the Vasco de Gama book. Highly recommend.
Thanks for your comment, Alison. That’s wonderful to hear. I was hoping to include a few books that explored Portugal’s maritime history without feeling overly academic, so I’m glad to know The Last Crusade is being enjoyed. - CW