The Heirs of Lisbon
Original title: Les héritiers de Lisbonne
Synopsis
Every street corner has a story to tell. Madalena knows this better than anyone. A widow in her forties, she has decided to transform an old building in the heart of Lisbon into a hotel, putting her savings and her dreams on the line. It is not just a building she wants to renovate, but her entire life.
As the work progresses, Madalena makes an unexpected discovery: an old notebook signed by Maria Barreiros. The pages reveal the journey of this young peasant girl who arrived in Lisbon in 1907, a city undergoing rapid change, to become a governess for a prominent family. Maria is amazed by the wealth and excitement of the city, its steep streets, colorful neighborhoods, and the smell of pastries. Above all, she finds herself at the heart of the divisions in Portuguese society: she serves the elite and the faltering monarchy while living a passionate love affair with a ceramist who is preparing for the coming revolution. Centuries-old traditions clash with the dawn of modernity.
As she reads, Madalena discovers that the azulejos decorating the entrance to her hotel may hold secrets linked to her country’s history. This journey through time connects the destinies of two women in a vibrant Lisbon to the sound of fado.
Marketing Information
- This novel is an invitation to discover Lisbon in a new light, with historical details and unusual places, like a real tourist guide.
- Through strong, contemporary female characters, this book explores universal themes such as grief, uprooting, and rebuilding oneself.
- This book tells stories of transformation and resilience, whether for a peasant woman, a queen, or a widow seeking to rebuild her life.
- Research on Queen Dona Amélia and the inclusion of her own words add a historical dimension to the story.
- Despite its historical setting in 1907, the novel tackles very current issues such as class struggle and social inequality.
- Keywords: Travel novel; Historic Lisbon; Family secrets; Women’s destinies; Heritage and memory; Azulejos and mystery; Past and present; Portuguese Revolution; Fado and traditions; Immersive novel