The Greatest "Magical Realism, Lisbon" Books of All Time
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
Genres
Magical realism is a literary genre that weaves elements of fantasy into realistic settings, creating a narrative that exists in a harmonious balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary. In magical realist literature, the supernatural is not presented as something to be questioned or explained, but rather as an accepted part of everyday life. Characters might encounter ghosts, engage in telepathy, or experience time in non-linear ways, yet these occurrences are treated as mundane aspects of the world. This genre often explores complex themes such as identity, time, and the interconnection of reality and illusion, blurring the lines between the conceivable and the incredible. Magical realism is rooted in Latin American literature but has become a beloved and diverse genre worldwide, offering readers a lens through which the complexities of life are viewed with wonder and a subtle touch of magic.
The "Lisbon" category in books encapsulates a literary journey through the storied streets, vibrant culture, and rich history of Portugal's capital city. These books may span various genres, including historical fiction, travel memoirs, cultural studies, and detective novels, but they are all unified by their setting in Lisbon. Readers can expect to be transported to the sun-drenched hills of the Alfama district, to walk the bustling avenues of Baixa, or to be swept along the Tagus River's banks, all while exploring the city's past and present. From tales of the Age of Discoveries, when Lisbon was the center of a vast maritime empire, to contemporary narratives of urban life and its complexities, the "Lisbon" category offers a multifaceted look at the city's unique allure, its enduring mysteries, and the indelible mark it leaves on inhabitants and visitors alike.
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1. The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by José Saramago
The novel is a metaphysical narrative about a doctor named Ricardo Reis who returns to Lisbon, Portugal after learning about the death of his friend. He finds himself in a society on the brink of dictatorship, and as he navigates through his daily life, he encounters his deceased friend's ghost and a hotel maid with whom he begins a love affair. The book explores themes of identity, love, and the nature of reality, set against the backdrop of political turmoil.
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2. Baltasar and Blimunda by José Saramago
"Baltasar and Blimunda" is a historical love story set in 18th century Portugal. The narrative follows a maimed soldier, Baltasar, and a young clairvoyant woman, Blimunda, as they navigate the hardships of life during the Inquisition. Their love story is intertwined with the construction of the Convent of Mafra, a grandiose project initiated by the King. The novel explores themes of love, faith, human resilience, and the struggle against political and religious oppression.
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download