PENGUIN MODERN CLASSICS : PEREIRA MAINTAINS PB

Subtle, skillful, and clear. Its so clear, in fact, that you can see a very long way down, into the heart of a flawed but valiant human being, into the sickness of a nation, into the depths of political evil. Its the most impressive novel Ive read for years, and one of the very few that feels truly necessary - Philip Pullman In the sweltering summer of 1938, with Lisbon in the grip of Portugals dictatorship of Antonio Salazar, a journalist is coming to terms with the rise of fascism around him and its insidious impact on his work. Consumed by the passing of his wife and the child he never had, Pereira lives a quiet and lonely existence. One day, the young and charismatic Monteiro Rossi enters his life, changing everything. A man who once shied away from criticizing Portugals authoritarian regime finds himself unable to stay quiet any longer, resulting in his political awakening and a devastating act of rebellion. Tabucchis celebrated masterpiece is an ode to courage and solidarity in the face of political oppression. A stunningly good novel, and it goes on getting better in ones head after one has stopped reading it - it works as an experience - something that has happened to one, which is of course the proof of great writing Diana Athill