Portuguese book recs

[blackxlupin]

What are your favorite books in Portuguese? I'm interested in a wide variety of genres as long it's good reading. If you could explain why you recommend the book, that'd be especially great, but any help at all is much appreciated. I'm learning European Portuguese, but am open to Brazilian literature as well.

Thanks!

Comments

[blackxlupin]

No, like I said, I'm up for a wide variety of genres. I like well-rounded female characters, but I know that can be a lot to ask for. I would prefer more recent books (like, no earlier than 1950), because I mainly want to learn modern vocabulary.

I'm B2-C1, so anything goes, as far as I'm concerned. I'll be using whatever book it is for extensive vocab study anyway. :)

[paulistano]

Well, I can't speak for European Portuguese literature, but I love most things by Paulo Coelho. He's the Brazilian author who most famously wrote "O Alquimista," but he has lots of other things as well.

He writes about religious/spiritual themes generally.

[blackxlupin]

Oh, I love religious themes! I'll definitely check that out. Thank you very much.

[mmm_words]

Seconded! OP might try "Brida" or "Onze Minutos" for a strong female protagonist.
I've had terrible luck finding Coelho in Portuguese, but I've found his works very accessible in Spanish. I read the first few chapters of "Veronika Decide Morrer" before I had to give it back, and it was pretty good. I was reading on a high intermediate/low advanced level at the time.

[mmm_words]

To clarify, I was referring to "Veronika Decide Morrer" in Portuguese, and my reading level in Portuguese. Just realized how confusing that was.

[slytherin_gypsy]

If you are looking for things online, I would recommend browsing through http://www.dominiopublico.gov.br. This is an official website from the Brazilian government where you can find a lot of copyright free classics of Brazilian literature. Some very traditional authors include José de Alencar ('Senhora' is one of my all time favorite books) and Machado de Assis ('Dom Casmurro' is my favorite among his).

[arrowwhiskers]

I'm not the original poster, but thank you so much for posting this!! It's really fantastic. o.o

[13chapters]

I don't know Portuguese, but I have enjoyed the (translated) works of Jose Saramgo, a Portuguese writer (and Nobel Laureate), especially The Gospel According to Jesus Christ.