Thursday Threads

This week's question ties in to this week's celebration of our home countries' historical fiction. Now we'd like to hear from you! We'd like to know...

What are your favorite historical novels from your home country?

Please share your answer in the comments!

Nanette's Favorite Historical Fiction Set in the United States

When the topic for this week's posts came up, all of the contributors were enthusiastic about it. We're a geographically diverse bunch, as I'm sure you've noticed, and I suspect that you've found as many great books set in interesting locations as I have this week. My to-read pile, which is already extremely full, is about to topple under its own weight.

But I have something to admit: I don't really like reading historical fiction set in the United States. Given the choice between a novel set in the U.S. and a novel set anywhere else, I'd probably pick the novel set outside the U.S.

I've spent most of the time that I should have spent writing this post trying to figure out why I don't gravitate towards historical fiction set in the United States. I've narrowed it down to three basic elements: era, setting, and character.

My favorite eras and settings for historical fiction are Medieval and Renaissance Europe and Restoration-era England, and my favorite characters tend to be royalty or royal hangers-on. None of these preferences relate to the United States. The dramatic events of U.S. history that lend themselves to historical novels, such as the American Revolution or the Civil War, don't interest me very much.  In general, I have more of an interest in non-U.S. history than I do in U.S. history. (Blame that on oversaturation from school.)

This is not to say that I never read historical fiction with a U.S. setting. I do--and there have been a few titles that I've really loved! And here they are:

The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt. I read this years ago, and I remember being completely transfixed by it. The plot involves two English sisters, May and Hannah. May is sexually liberated for her time, and she flees her small English village for colonial Maryland in order to marry a distant cousin. Her sister, Hannah, travels to Maryland to join May, but when she arrives she finds that her sister is dead and that her husband has gone mad. Much of the novel involves Hannah's search for answers to her sister's mysterious disappearance, and it's quite dark at times, but I couldn't put it down.

Into the Wilderness (and its sequels) by Sara Donati. Someone recommended this to me when I was reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, and in library readers' advisory circles, it's often mentioned as an Outlander readalike. Donati's books don't involve time travel, but they have the same epic scope, beautifully-realized characters, and timeless romance. I wasn't sure I would like these as first, given that one of the main characters is from James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans (also known as one of my most-hated books from college). But I loved them. Sometimes I have vivid memories of where I read a book, and for this series, it's the comfy blue couch in the apartment I lived in right after I got married. I can picture myself sitting there, snuggled among a bunch of pillows, tearing through this series at a ridiculous pace.

The Heretic's Daughter and The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent. Kent writes about outsiders: women who live on the fringes of society, generally by circumstance. The main character in The Heretic's Daughter is Sarah Carrier, daughter of Martha Carrier, the first woman to be executed in the Salem Witch Trials. Like her mother, Sarah is intelligent and rebellious--characteristics that won't get you very far in 17th century New England. Kent also provides an interesting perspective on the infamous Salem Witch Trials, showing how family turbulence combined with mass hysteria could have led to the execution of so many innocent women. The Wolves of Andover isn't a prequel per se, but it does contain another Carrier relation--in this case, Thomas Carrier--and features another headstrong, intelligent woman.

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. I'm noticing a theme here: apparently, I prefer colonial or early American settings. This is another one: set in late 17th century New England. Bethia Mayfield is the daughter of a Calvinist minister, and like most colonial girls in contemporary historical fiction, she's headstrong and curious. When Bethia is twelve years old, she meets a young Native American man named Caleb, and their mutual interest in the wild local flora and fauna leads to a strong friendship. Bethia's father recognizes Caleb's intelligence and becomes his tutor, and Caleb becomes the first Native American to graduate from Harvard University. Caleb's struggle to cross cultures is fascinating, as is the view of the early years of the U.S.'s most storied academic institution.

Alex's favourite HF set in France

French history was always a favourite of mine, but since I moved to France, this became more of a passion. I tried to choose books that are big favourites but also translated in English. Like always when doing these lists, I have the feeling that I'm forgetting something important...:)

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

This was one of my first French classics and unfortunately one that I haven't read in several years. The story is so intense that last time I felt completely wiped out when I reach the last pages of this incredibly rich and emotional roller coaster. This fragile and turbulent first half of the 19th century France is not my favourite period but Hugo's realistic social portrait (and Jean Valjean !) win me over immediately.

Mistress of the Revolution and For the King by Catherine Delors

Set in opulent, decadent, turbulent revolutionary France, Mistress of the Revolution is the story of Gabrielle de Montserrat. An impoverished noblewoman blessed with fiery red hair and a mischievous demeanor, Gabrielle is only fifteen when she meets her true love, a commoner named Pierre-André Coffinhal. But her brother forbids their union, choosing for her instead an aging, wealthy baron.

Widowed and a mother while still a teen, Gabrielle arrives at the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in time to be swept up in the emerging cataclysm. As a new order rises, Gabrielle finds her own lovely neck on the chopping block and who should be selected to sit on the Revolutionary Tribunal but her first love, Pierre-André. . . . (from Goodreads)

The Reign of Terror has ended, and Napoléon Bonaparte has seized power, but shifting political loyalties still tear apart families and lovers. On Christmas Eve 1800, a bomb explodes along Bonaparte's route, narrowly missing him but striking dozens of bystanders. Chief Inspector Roch Miquel, a young policeman with a bright future and a beautiful mistress, must arrest the assassins before they attack again. Complicating Miquel's investigation are the maneuverings of his superior, the redoubtable Fouché, the indiscretions of his own father, a former Jacobin, and two intriguing women. (from Goodreads)

Catherine Delors is in my auto-buy list since I first read For the King and she is one of my favourite authors in what concerns historical fiction in general. Not only her stories are captivating and her characters complex but you can feel that behind her effortless style there’s an extensive research that make everything so special. Also, if you have a huge crush for Paris like I do, both her books will be a delight. Last time I checked, Delors was writing about witchcraft and werewolves which couldn’t please me more. Can’t wait !

You can also read Ana's review of Mistress of the Revolution and the conversation that Ana, Marg and I had about For the King.

The Iron King by Maurice Druon ( I highly recommend all the series)

The Iron King (Le Roi de Fer) is the first book of an historical French series named The Accursed Kings (Les Rois Maudits) written by Maurice Druon. The story is set in the 14th century France during the last years of the reign of the King Philip IV, the Fair also known as The Iron King.
(excerpt from my review, see above)


The Accursed Kings series by Druon is considered a classic in France, and every history buff I know read, at least, the first book – The Iron King. I reviewed it some time ago when I had the chance to reread it during the release of a new edition of the series.

The books were adapted to the screen twice, even if the 70's version is far better. Unfortunately, I don't think this was ever translated in English.

The King’s Way (L’allée du roi) by Françoise Chandernagor

A magnificent story beautifully written about Françoise d'Aubigné, Madame de Maintenon. We follow the life of this intriguing and fascinating woman who becomes the king's favourite and his "secret" wife. This book is definitely one of my favourites set during Louis XIV reign and a must read.

Don’t forget to watch the movie adapted from this book, which is a real gem. I'll leave you with a scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5LmmZ9xxi8

The Oracle of Glass by Judith Merkle Riley

Genevieve is a precocious girl with the remarkable power to read the future in a water glass. Left for dead by her family, she is taken in by La Voisin, who rules a secret society of witches that manipulate the rich—from tradesmen all the way up to the king himself.

Genevieve transforms herself into the mysterious Madame de Morville, rumored to be 150 years old. Driven by the spirit of revenge, Genevieve is on the verge of discovering true love when the police sniff out the secret network of poisoners and sorcerers. Genevieve races to escape the stake, unaware who will live and who will die in the wake of the King's terrible vengeance. (from Goodreads)

 

 

 

Again another book set during the reign of Louis XIV and one that is been waiting in my "to be reread" pile for some time. I read The Oracle for the first time in my late teens and I kept wonderful memories of this book. It's the perfect mix of intrigue, love, history and politics. The main character, Geneviève Pasquier is the kind of heroine impossible not to like and who makes this brilliant story even more interesting.

 

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Do you have any HF favourites set in France that you would like to share ?

Marg's Favourite HF set in Australia

When we decided that we were going to have this week where we shared the favourite fiction set in our own countries, it sounded like a really fab idea until it came time to actually choose the books. How  to decide which ones? In the end I decided to take a Books of a Lifetime approach and choose books that I recall from various times in my life and then some more recent reads.

Kings in Grass Castles by Mary Durack - In my early teens I fell in love with Historical Fiction in the form of Jean Plaidy's books about English royalty. Before that however, I do remember loving this tale of a pioneer family in the far north of Western Australia. I am not actually sure how well this book would hold up to a reread but at the time I certainly fell in love with the story

Harp in the South/Poor Man's Orange by Ruth Park - We had to study this trilogy in high school and I found myself swept up into the hard world of 1930s Sydney. Around the same time there was a mini-series as well which really helped bring the world to life

All the Rivers Run by Nancy Cato - A classic story of life in the late 1800s - a woman with indelible spirit, the handsome man who loved her, the drama of life in the country, paddle steamer races. What more could you want! I actually rewatched the mini series adaptation of this a couple of years ago and apart from the fact that if it was made now the colourisation of the film would be very different, it still was a very entertaining watch..

Aaron Fletcher's Walkabout series - This series of books is one that I found out about through fellow bloggers. It is a big, juicy saga following one family's story of starting a huge sheep station in the Outback, the loves, the tragedies, the fight against nature. It starts with a convict settler and again features strong women, the men who loved them. The strange this series is how hard it is to find out anything about Aaron Fletcher. I suspect he wasn't Australian, but the story doesn't seem to betray that fact. Thinking about it, I am not sure that I don't still have one more book in the series to read.

A Stranger in My Street by Deborah Burrows - This is one of my favourite historical fiction reads this year. It is set in my home town of Perth during World War II (one of my favourite eras to read about) and features lots of interesting historical facts, a good mystery and an understated romance. Can't wait to read more from this author!

There are so many other authors I could mention. Maybe if you have a favourite HF novel set in Australia you might like to mention it in the comments!

Kailana's Favourite HF Set in Canada

A question about favourite Canadian Historical Fiction is what started this event in the first place. We decided it would be fun for each of us to make a list from our respective countries. So, this is my list of five books that are great examples of historical fiction in Canada. (Okay, so there are six... I added a kid's book last minute...)

Early Memory:

Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker

Taken away from her mother by a ruthless slave trader, all Julilly has left is the dream of freedom. Every day that she spends huddled in the slave trader’s wagon travelling south or working on the brutal new plantation, she thinks about the land where it is possible to be free, a land she and her friend Liza may reach someday. So when workers from the Underground Railroad offer to help the two girls escape, they are ready. But the slave catchers and their dogs will soon be after them…

I read this book in the 4th grade and still remember it. When I got a bit older I bought my own copy and have had it ever since. It is a great novel for younger readers about what it is like to escape slavery in the South in the hopes of making it to freedom in Canada. The main characters are young and the readers would be able to relate to them at least from an age stand-point. It is also a good book in general and could easily be read by older readers, too.

Nova Scotia:

The Birth House by Ami McKay

The Birth House is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter to be born in five generations of the Rare family. As a child in an isolated village in Nova Scotia, she is drawn to Miss Babineau, an outspoken Acadian midwife with a gift for healing and a kitchen filled with herbs and folk remedies. During the turbulent years of World War I, Dora becomes the midwife's apprentice. Together, they help the women of Scots Bay through infertility, difficult labors, breech births, unwanted pregnancies and even unfulfilling sex lives.

When Gilbert Thomas, a brash medical doctor, comes to Scots Bay with promises of fast, painless childbirth, some of the women begin to question Miss Babineau's methods - and after Miss Babineau's death, Dora is left to carry on alone. In the face of fierce opposition, she must summon all of her strength to protect the birthing traditions and wisdom that have been passed down to her.

Filled with details that are as compelling as they are surprising-childbirth in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion, the prescribing of vibratory treatments to cure hysteria and a mysterious elixir called Beaver Brew- The Birth House is an unforgettable tale of the struggles women have faced to maintain control over their own bodies and to keep the best parts of tradition alive in the world of modern medicine.

I loved this book. Set near where I live it was first something I wanted to read because I knew the area that was being talked about. Then I actually read it and I loved it! I have even read it more than once which is a big deal for me considering I believe all the reads were after I had all ready started blogging. Her new book, The Virgin Cure, is also a good read.

Adventure Novel:

The Outlander by Gil Adamson

"It was night, and the dogs came through the trees, unleashed and howling." Mary Boulton, 19, is newly widowed, a result of having murdered her husband. The men with the dogs are her twin brothers-in-law, gunslingers bent on avenging their dead sibling. It is 1903, and the only place for Mary to run is west, into the wilderness.

She is pursued not only by the vengeful twins but also by visions. Mary was raised in a genteel household but married a brute; now, having divested herself of her husband, she is not altogether sane. From an early benefactress she steals a horse, and together they navigate a gothic, ghostly mountain pass, unlikely to improve Mary's mental state. Desperate, freezing, and alone, Mary is now an outlander, as are most of the characters she encounters. The bird lady, the Ridgerunner, Bonny, the dwarf, and the cat-skinner are all earthbound beings inhabiting unsettled lives.

The juxtaposition of Adamson's ethereal landscape and unusual characters make this novel difficult to put down. One is never completely sure if the landscape described is wholly real or a figment borne of Mary's fragile mind. Either way, The Outlander is a poet's journey through astonishing terrain.

I can't even remember why I read this book in the first place. I think I was at the second-hand store and saw it on the shelves, so I grabbed it. I read it relatively soon afterwards and really enjoyed it. While there is a cast of secondary characters the novel is almost all about Mary. We really get to know her and Adamson does a wonderful job telling the story. It is not a happy tale, but it is worth checking out.

Tourist Attraction:

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Tom Cole, the grandson of a legendary local hero, has inherited an uncanny knack for reading the Niagara River's whims and performing daring feats of rescue at the mighty falls. And like the tumultuous meeting of the cataract's waters with the rocks below, a chance encounter between Tom and 17-year-old Bess Heath has an explosive effect. When they first meet on a trolley platform, Bess immediately recognizes the chemistry between them, and the feeling is mutual.

But the hopes of young love are constrained by the 1915 conventions of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Tom's working-class pedigree doesn't suit Bess's family, despite their recent fall from grace. Sacked from his position at a hydroelectric power company, Bess's father has taken to drink, forcing her mother to take in sewing for the society women who were once her peers. Bess pitches in as she pines for Tom, but at her young age, she's unable to fully realize how drastically her world is about to change.

Set against the resounding backdrop of the falls, Cathy Marie Buchanan's carefully researched, capaciously imagined debut novel entwines the romantic trials of a young couple with the historical drama of the exploitation of the river's natural resources. The current of the river, like that of the human heart, is under threat: "Sometimes it seems like the river is being made into this measly thing," says Tom, bemoaning the shortsighted schemes of the power companies. "The river's been bound up with cables and concrete and steel, like a turkey at Christmastime."

Skillfully portraying individuals, families, a community, and an environment imperiled by progress and the devastations of the Great War, The Day the Falls Stood Still beautifully evokes the wild wonder of its setting, a wonder that always overcomes any attempt to tame it. But at the same time, Buchanan's tale never loses hold of the gripping emotions of Tom and Bess's intimate drama. The result is a transporting novel that captures both the majesty of nature and the mystery of love.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and this is one of the best books with it as a setting. If you have ever wanted to visit and just haven't made it, want a good read, or even if you have visited before and want to revisit this is the book for you. I am looking forward to Buchanan's new book next year. She is a wonderful writer!

Family:

Clara Callan by Richard Wright

In a small town in Canada, Clara Callan reluctantly takes leave of her sister, Nora, who is bound for New York. It's a time when the growing threat of fascism in Europe is a constant worry, and people escape from reality through radio and the movies. Meanwhile, the two sisters -- vastly different in personality, yet inextricably linked by a shared past -- try to find their places within the complex web of social expectations for young women in the 1930s.

While Nora embarks on a glamorous career as a radio-soap opera star, Clara, a strong and independent-minded woman, struggles to observe the traditional boundaries of a small and tight-knit community without relinquishing her dreams of love, freedom, and adventure. However, things aren't as simple as they appear -- Nora's letters eventually reveal life in the big city is less exotic than it seems, and the tranquil solitude of Clara's life is shattered by a series of unforeseeable events. These twists of fate require all of Clara's courage and strength, and finally put the seemingly unbreakable bond between the sisters to the test.

ah, Richard Wright... You did something right with this book. It is too bad I can't seem to connect with the rest of your books despite trying every time there is a new release... I really liked Nora and Clara. They came alive in this book and you got to know them really well. I enjoyed my time with them and seeing what life was like for them in the 30's. A good read!

A Part of Our Heritage:

Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden

Inspired in part by real-life World War I Ojibwa hero Francis Pegahmagabow, this unblinking, impeccably researched novel is the astonishing story of two Cree snipers in the killing fields of Ypres and the Somme, and the winding journey home to northern Ontario that only one of them will make. A remarkable tale of brutality, survival, and rebirth, Three Day Road is an unforgettable reading experience.

This book is obviously only set in Canada some of the time, but I had to include it. If you have ever seen the movie Windtalkers you would know of the important contribution Natives made to the war effort. This is Canada's book version. It blew me away and is one of my favourite books ever. It deserves all of the attention it received.




I also recommend Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan. They are more Canadian classics than historical fiction so that is why I am just adding them as an aside.

Julie's Favourite HF set in the United Kingdom

When we first discussed the concept of a series of posts about our favourite historical fictional writing centred in our home country I wondered and debated on whether to feature the United Kingdom or simply England. I could not decide and then set about simply jotting down some favourite titles and authors and it is those first notes that is the basis for this post.

First up is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. The UK version of the first book was published as Cross Stitch. The series is fascinating and incorporates a variety of genres in addition to historical fiction. They span the the post war years in Scotland and then one of the central characters suddenly finds herself in the 18th Century Scotland and latterly America.

I started reading the series in about 2005 and was not sure it was my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed the first book and since then I have read the rest of the series and the secondary mini series which is about another of the central characters. The books are very well researched and whilst they include a degree of fantasy they are full of historical facts.

I am now impatiently awaiting the publication of the latest book in the series, due to be published in January 2013.

Another series is by the very well known author Cynthia Harrod Eagles. The Morland Series caught my eye about 10 years ago. Since then I have read the first two and because I am slightly obsessive I am striving to locate the complete series before I start to read them in order. I did read recently that the publisher was planning to cease publication beyond book number 34 which is a huge shame and I do hope that decision is not final. Sadly I could not locate the author's website, but did manage to find a full listing of the books in the series HERE.

I recently was introduced to the fascinating series by Philippa Gregory as my local book group are currently reading The White Queen which is the first in the Cousin's War Series. Having been drawn in by this book, I explored the author's website and was delighted to see a whole list of further reading to explore, other books to read, chapters to download and even an iPhone app. I also note, somewhat excitedly that The White Queen is to be made into a BBC Drama, to be broadcast in the UK in 2013.



A book which I read a few years ago was The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. This was based upon a true event which happened in the Wiltshire in 1860. What I loved about this book was the fact that I could actually trace the events through historical documentation which appeals to my genealogical mind. The book was made into a mini series about a year ago and was broadcast here in the UK. You can read an extract and a bit more about the book HERE.

Currently in my rather large supply of library books I have a real door stop of a book - New York by Edward Rutherford. As I moved it this morning it reminded me that in this rather loose series based upon locations, the author has written three books set in England, the first is Sarum which is essentially set at Stonehenge and Salisbury.

The second is The Forest which is a spin off to Sarum and is set in the New Forest.

The third book is London. A fictional attempt to follow the history of the capital from early times to more current events, essentially 2,000 years of history.











I hope you would agree that these are some great books. I can think of a few more, but perhaps you would like to share your favourite historical fiction set within the United Kingdom.

Ana's Favourite HF set in Portugal

When I first thought about compiling this list I realised that most of the books that came to mind hadn't been translated to English. Although historical fiction is currently one of the most visible trends in  portuguese bookstores, most of it is written by portuguese authors with no expression abroad. Since this is an english speaking blog I decided to choose books that can be readily available to english readers. With that in mind I hope you enjoy my suggestions...

Mariana by Katherine Vaz

This novel is based upon the true story of Mariana Alcoforado, sent to a convent during Portugal's revolt against Spain in the seventeenth century, where she conducts an all-consuming love affair with a French cavalry officer. After being abandoned, she writes him a series of passionate love letters--translated and included here--that become famous throughout Europe during her lifetime, and thereafter. Artists from the poet Rilke and the novelist Stendhal to the painters Matisse and Modigliani have made her one of the world's great romantic icons. 

Mariana Alcoforado is, along with Inês de Castro, one of the most famous portuguese romantic heroines. Katherine Vaz retells her story and the story of Portugal in the second half of the 17th century.



Baltazar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago

When King and Church exercise absolute power what happens to the dreams of ordinary people? In early eighteenth century Lisbon, Baltasar, a soldier who has lost a hand in battle, falls in love with Blimunda, a young girl with visionary powers. From the day that he follows her home from the auto-da-fe where her mother is condemned and burned at the stake, the two are bound body and soul by a love of unassailable strength. A third party shares their supper that evening: Pardere Bartolemeu Lourenco, whose fantasy is to invent a flying machine. As the inquisition rages and royalty and religion clash, they pursue his impossible, not to mention heretical, dream of flight. 

 One of the best stories by our Nobel Peace Prize. Just the fact that it is set in my hometown would be a reason to pick it up but the truth is that it is also a very good story. It is set in early 18th century during the construction of one of Portugal's most famous monuments, Mafra's Monastery

The Maias by Eça de Queiroz

Our hero Carlos Maia, heir to one of the greatest fortunes in Portugal, is rich, handsome, generous and intelligent: he means to do something for his country, something useful, something that will make his beloved grandfather proud. However, Carlos is also a bit of a dilettante. He drifts along, becoming a doctor and pottering about in his laboratory, but spends more and more time riding his splendid horses or visiting the theater, having affairs or reading novels. His best friend and chief partner in crime, Ega, is likewise engaged in a long summertime of witticisms and pleasure. Carlos however is set on a dead reckoning course with fate—with the love of his life and with a terrible, terrible secret... 

A mandatory read in high schools when I was growing up The Maias ended up being one of my favourite reads. I love Eça de Queiroz writing, a brilliant man writing about the social and political events of his time. In this book we also get many descriptions of Lisbon and places that still exist today.

Pereira Maintains by Antonio Tabucchi

Set in the sweltering summer of 1938 in Portugal, a country under the Fascist shadow of Spain, PEREIRA MAINTAINS tells a tale of reluctant heroism. Dr. Pereira, an editor at a second-rate Lisbon newspaper, wants nothing to do with European politics. He's happy to translate 19th-century French stories. His closest confidante is a photograph of his late wife. All this changes when he meets Francesco Monteiro Rossi, an oddly charismatic young man. Pereira gives Rossi work, and continues to pay him, even after discovering that he is using the money to recruit for the anti-Franco International Brigade. PEREIRA MAINTAINS chronicles Pereira's ascent to consciousness, culminating in a devastating and reckless act of rebellion.

The political awakening of an old journalist in the Lisbon under Salazar's opressive rule. Written by an Italian writer who chose Portugal as his adoptive country.


A Small Death in Lisbon by Robert Wilson

A Portuguese bank is founded on the back of Nazi wartime deals. Over half a century later a young girl is murdered in Lisbon. 1941. Klaus Felsen, SS, arrives in Lisbon and the strangest party in history where Nazis and Allies, refugees and entrepreneurs dance to the strains of opportunism and despair. Felsen's war takes him to the bleak mountains of the north where a brutal battle is being fought for an element vital to Hitler's blitzkrieg. Late 1990s, Lisbon. Inspector Ze Coelho is investigating the murder of a young girl with a disturbing sexual past. As Ze digs deeper he overturns the dark soil of history and unearths old bones. The 1974 revolution has left injustices of the old fascist regime unresolved. But there's an older, greater injustice for which this small death in Lisbon is horrific compensation, and in his final push for the truth, Ze must face the most chilling opposition.

The fact that Portugal was neutral during WWII meant that plenty of refugees ended up here, either to stay or to look for a way to continue their journey to America. Lisbon was also the meeting place of plenty or German and Allied spies. Robert Wilson's novel approaches that period and the post revolutionary decade in this intriguing murder mystery.

 After writing this post I realised that none of these books have been reviewed on HT and that maybe I should get to that. I would love to hear from you if you're read any of these and feel free to share your favourite portuguese HF if you have any!