Subject
Portugal -- History -- Maria I, 1777-1816 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Luiz Augusto Rebello da Silva
A Casa dos Fantasmas - Volume I Episodio do Tempo dos Francezes
"A Casa dos Fantasmas - Volume I" by Luiz Augusto Rebello da Silva is a historical fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative is set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Portugal during a time of tumultuous political upheaval, specifically referencing the invasions by French forces. The story revolves around the character Manuel Coutinho, who finds himself entangled in a web of danger involving conspiracies, supernatural elements linked to a haunted mansion, and a quest to rescue his beloved, caught in perilous circumstances. At the start of the novel, the scene is depicted on a stormy evening in May 1808, as a traveler faces treacherous weather while journeying through the Portuguese countryside. As the traveler arrives at a mysterious, decrepit mansion known as the Casa Negra, he witnesses unusual activity inside, which raises his suspicions about who may be residing there. The unfolding events highlight the tension between past grievances and current dangers, represented through characters like Manuel, who is determined to confront the threats presented by corrupt military figures and seek out the truth behind the strange happenings in the haunted house.
Luiz Augusto Rebello da Silva
A Casa dos Fantasmas - Volume II Episodio do Tempo dos Francezes
"A Casa dos Fantasmas - Volume II" by Luiz Augusto Rebello da Silva is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative is set in Portugal during a time of significant societal and political turmoil, reflecting themes of national identity and resistance amidst the backdrop of foreign occupation. The opening primarily focuses on a grand religious procession in Lisbon, intertwining festive devotion with underlying tensions and the characters' interactions in this complex environment. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the "Corpo de Deus" procession, characterized by elaborate displays of piety, local competition for the most extravagant displays, and the expectations surrounding this important day. Amidst the pomp and ceremony, hints of discontent surface, revealing the populace's mixed feelings towards their foreign rulers, particularly the French soldiers present. The narrative introduces characters like D. João V, who has transformed aspects of the procession, and figures from the French military, including Junot and Lagarde, as they grapple with the growing unrest in the city. This opening sets the stage for the unfolding drama that blends historical events with elements of fiction, inviting the reader into a world where the supernatural and political strife intersect.
Alberto Pimentel
O Annel Mysterioso, Scenas da Guerra Peninsular
"O Anel Misterioso, Scenas da Guerra Peninsular" by Alberto Pimentel is a Portuguese novel published in 1873. Set during the Peninsular War, the story follows José Maria da Graça Strech, a Portuguese soldier who loses his family during the French invasion of Porto. Driven by vengeance, his path changes when he falls in love with Rosina, a French vivandière. Their wartime romance leads to separation, loss, and a desperate search across Europe that ultimately transforms José Maria into a wandering figure on Porto's streets.
Recently surfaced classics