Five of the Best Novels Set in Portugal

Night Train to Lisbon follows Raimund Gregorius, a Swiss Classics teacher, who stumbles upon a mysterious book by Portuguese author Amadeu de Prado. This book acts as a catalyst, compelling him to abandon his mundane life in Bern and embark on an impulsive journey to Lisbon. In Lisbon, Gregorius seeks to uncover the life and thoughts of Prado, delving into the resistance against the Salazar dictatorship and the complex interrelations of the characters Prado’s life touched. More>>

A literary masterpiece by José Maria de Eça de Queiroz that’s a critique of 19th-century Portuguese society through the saga of the Maia family.

Set in Lisbon, it explores themes of decadence, love, and societal obligations, weaving personal dramas with broader social commentary. De Queiroz’s rich narrative offers a window into the complexities of human nature and societal constructs. More>>

The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel is a captivating narrative that traverses a century, intertwining three distinct stories into a meditation on loss, discovery, and redemption.

Set against Portugal’s enchanting landscapes, Martel’s novel embarks on an exploratory journey that questions human suffering and the search for meaning, making it a compelling read that bridges the gap between past and present. More>>

The Return captures the turbulent period following Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, focusing on the experiences of Portuguese families returning from Angola in 1975.

Through the perspective of young Rui, Dulce Maria Cardoso addresses themes of displacement, identity, and the search for belonging in a homeland that feels foreign. Cardoso’s narrative is a poignant reflection on change, resilience, and the quest for home. More>>

In the sleepy fictional village of Mamarrosa, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, the lives of locals and newcomers intertwine.

From a British cafe owner and an enigmatic Romanian sculptor to a resilient Portuguese matriarch and an idealistic young doctor, each character navigates love, loss, tradition, and the challenges of a changing world within this sun-baked landscape. More>>