Before I started this blog, back in June, I decided not to buy any more books until I finally read the ones that I’d already had on my shelves. I managed to stick to that intention until last month, when I couldn’t resist the temptation any longer. Then I changed the goal to not buying any more books until January and… I failed again and bought more books last week. So, the time is right to do a book haul!
These are the books that I bought recently:
Contos Escolhidos by Fernando Pessoa
This is a collection of short stories by the famous Portuguese author who is, however, better known as a poet. I have never read any of his short stories, so I am really curious to do so. Fernando Pessoa also wrote in English and, in fact, the first short story featured in this collection is called A Very Original Dinner and is accompanied by a Portuguese translation. All the other stories featured in this collection are in Portuguese, though.
Homens Imprudentemente Poéticos by Valter Hugo Mãe
This is the latest book by a Portuguese author whom I have never read, but that I have only heard good things about. It is set in Japan and focuses on the hostility between two neighbours, a craftsman and a potter maker. As it is a recent release, there isn’t an English translation yet.
A Desumanização by Valter Hugo Mãe
Although I have never read anything by Valter Hugo Mãe, I bought two books written by him at the same time. This one takes place in Iceland and tells the story of a little girl who lost her twin sister.
Contos Exemplares by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
A long time has passed since I last read a short story by this Portuguese author. The last time I did so must have probably been fifteen years ago and it was a compulsory read for school. I have been reading more of her poetry recently. I am not quite sure if this collection of short stories has any common theme. But I’ll let you know!
Uma Casa na Escuridão by José Luís Peixoto
I have no idea what this book is about, but I usually like Peixoto’s writing style. The way in which he uses short sentences helps achieve an interesting rhythm. I couldn’t find an English translation of this particular book, but If you are interested in reading a novel by José Luís Peixoto, there are translations into English of some of his other books, such as The Piano Cemetery and Blank Gaze.
A Casa, a Escuridão by José Luís Peixoto
This one is a poetry collection based on the novel Uma Casa na Escuridão by the same author. I have never read any of Peixoto’s poetry collections, but since his novels are full of beautiful sentences, I expect to fall completely in love with his poems.
O Castelo dos Destinos Cruzados (The Castle of Crossed Destinies) by Italo Calvino
This short story collection was offered to me when I bought the last three books above. Italo Calvino is an Italian author whom I have been wanting to read for quite a while, so I gladly accepted the gift. From what I know, all the short stories are interlinked and were inspired by tarot cards.
Have you been buying any books recently? Tell me in the comments!
