Camilo Castelo Branco
O Regicida
"O Regicida" by Camilo Castelo Branco is a historical romance written in the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Domingos Leite Pereira, the son of a cutler, who aspires to transcend his humble beginnings in 17th-century Portugal. Faced with pressures from his parents regarding his career choice and the burden of his family's expectations, Domingos yearns for greater accolades, leading him into a tumultuous life intertwined with music, politics, and scandal, highlighting themes of ambition and betrayal. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Domingos Leite, a young man caught between his family's wishes and his aspirations, who dreams of becoming something greater than a cutler. His mother desires that he becomes a friar, while he secretly aspires to be a pharmacist and eventually seeks a position in the royal chapel. The narrative sets the stage for his political involvement during a time of unrest, leading to his entanglement in a conspiracy against the crown, which brings not only ambition but also complex moral dilemmas and personal conflicts regarding honor and infidelity. Domingos' journey is marked by his interactions with various influential characters that shape his destiny, casting light on the societal struggles of the era.