Literary Event - Thursday, 15th November, 2007

Eça de Queiroz

Considered one of the greatest novelists of the 19th century José Maria Eça de Queiroz, or simply Eça de Queiroz as he is better known, was born in 1845 in Póvoa de Varzim, a small fishing town, as the illegitimate son of a prominent magistrate.

Author of several novels, most translated into English, Eça published great works of literature, some of which would not go into print until after his death in 1900. Among others The Maias, one of his best known novels, was written during his 15 years working as a consul in England, a country he often analysed as fiercely as he did his own.

A great observer and a critic, Eça’s writing is stylish but not heavy. With a great dosage of humour and a pinch of cynicism, his novels and texts are far from belonging in the past. While reading his work one realises, almost shockingly, that the past is still happening today.

Find out more

On November 15th 2007, Dr. Ana Luísa Vilela, a lecturer at the University of Évora will be at the Hotel Garbe to unveil the author behind the books. Holding a doctorate in Portuguese Literature and having specialised in Queiroz's work, Dr. Ana Vilela has published various articles about this author in Portugal and abroad.

This is a great opportunity for everyone who wants to take a closer look at Portugal and its society: looking at the past to understand the present. For those of you who are already familiar with Eça’s works – and many books have been sold here in the Algarve – this is an excellent opportunity to learn a bit more.

Times as follows:

10.30am: Introduction and documentary about Eça de Queiroz

12.30pm: Lunch

2pm: Talk about Eça's life and work followed by time for discussion and questions.

Ticket Price: 34€ (includes lunch) - available from Magna Carta Bookshop
Tel. 282 496 001

**Booking in advance is necessary.

Please book your place at the event by 5th November.**

See available books by Eça de Queiroz here

Tigger On The Couch

- The Neuroses, Psychoses, Maladies and Disorders of Our Favourite Children's Characters

I love this book. OK, that makes me a bit suspicious...but yes, I loved "being on the couch" to find out if I can identify myself with any of my favourite childhood characters, and as it turns I can. I happen to have the same issues as my favourite cartoon...Ha, won't tell!

This book by Laura James, is a highly amusing take on self-help and psychological disorders providing an insightful and acute analysis of children's favourite characters' mental health. Tigger is diagnosed with hyperactivity, Winnie Pooh clearly has addiction issues and the Wizard of Oz was undoubtedly a narcissist...

If you'd like to know if you're Peter Pan, Piglet or perhaps Alice in Wonderland, or perhaps someone else, click here to buy this book.

Don't bin your old socks!

An endearing and delightful guide to making soft toys from cast-off socks and gloves. It includes thirteen projects that are quick to make with step-by-step illustrations and instructions. With appeal to both adults and children the creations include monkeys, elephants, piglets, bunnies and fish from a world expert in the craft.

Buy here