The traveller reaches Lisbon


"So finally, here is Lisbon. But before undertaking the adventure, which he finds somewhat intimidating, the traveller wants to visit the village on the estuary known as Carcavelos, to see something that few people know about, when you think of the million inhabitants of Lisbon and the thousands who come to this coast, that is, to conclude, the parish church." ~ Journey to Portugal


As I begin reading the final third of this book, the 'traveller' looks as excited as ever and this turn is placed in such a way as if the whole travelogue had been busy in preparation for a visit to Lisbon, though appearances could still be deceptive. Strangely enough, the church and its architecture seems to be the element of the traveller's interest. There is no place devoid of it. Saramago, I reckon, intends to infuse various elements of Portuguese culture and is careful to include both the landscape and the art that adopts it. This is the reason why this book is more than a travelogue. In 'At the Gates of Lisbon' the author peculiarly alludes to Don Quixote de la Mancha as he prepares the traveller for another visit; this time to the place known as Lisboa.

Comments

  1. This book has been on my TBR shelf for a while. Thanks for giving me a glimpse and reminding me to read it.

    And thanks for following my Rose City Reader blog. I am now following you back.

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  2. You are welcome. I remember thoroughly enjoying this one... even though one requires patience as one cannot force one's way through it. Its like an adventure where you have to trust the tale (in this case the journey with the narrator).

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