From Publishers Weekly

In 1979, 19 won Nobel Prize literature, Portuguese novelist Saramago (Blindness) journeyed homeland, hoping “to write book Portugal capable offering fresh looking, feeling” at country’s history culture. personal quest comes monumental work, literary hybrid intermingles intimate portrait nation aspects novel, travel log guide book. Fm outset, deep sense Portuguese European history pervades Saramago’s descriptions, wh evince longing past fragments lie ey crevice, niche portico. example, seeing “traces ancient anti-Spanish rancor form obscene graffiti scored gd 15th-century stone” Miranda Douro, recalls 17th-century siege tt tk town. Lr trip, standing ruins church, muses, “The day (more…)

From Publishers Weekly

Portugal, Portuguese cooking, subject ts book, enlivened veteran food writer (coauthor Doubleday Cookbook Anderson’s familiarity wh country’s people, regions, rivers markets. lengthy glossary introductory section notwithstanding, narrative buoyed historical notes, reminiscences tips ideal inns restaurants Portugal. Portuguese ud recipes, English translation included, ty precluding necessity frequent reference glossary, mild annoyance wh ethnic cookbooks. recipes depend easy ingredients, unusualcombinations (“pork clams sound low surf ‘n’ turf dinners, ft Portuguese classic”), subtly seasoned olive oil, bay, tomatoes, garlic spices East introduced Portugal explorer Vasco da Gama tn 16th century. (more…)

From Publishers Weekly

Sharpe fans worried Cornwell’s popular series drawing close heave sigh relief-the 19th entry (after 2002’s Sharpe’s Prey) brings up-from-the-ranks rifleman Peninsular War we series began, familiar comrades-in-arms Sergeant Harper “old poacher” Dan Hagman. treacherous villain role Sharpe adventure complete, Shakespeare-quoting Colonel Christopher plays bh fence effort contrive peace bn warring parties that’ll leave rich man. Christopher hasn’t reckoned wh British commander, Sir Arthur Wellesley, future Duke Wellington, arrives time catch Marshal Soult’s invading army surprise. Meanwhile, Sharpe men, cut Portuguese village, hold offbetter French forces wh aid Lieutenant Vicente, Portuguese lawyer, poet philosopher td (more…)

From Publishers Weekly

In 1979, 19 won Nobel Prize literature, Portuguese novelist Saramago (Blindness) journeyed homeland, hoping “to write book Portugal capable offering fresh looking, feeling” at country’s history culture. personal quest comes monumental work, literary hybrid intermingles intimate portrait nation aspects novel, travel log guide book. Fm outset, deep sense Portuguese European history pervades Saramago’s descriptions, wh evince longing past fragments lie ey crevice, niche portico. example, seeing “traces ancient anti-Spanish rancor form obscene graffiti scored gd 15th-century stone” Miranda Douro, recalls 17th-century siege tt tk town. Lr trip, standing ruins church, muses, “The day (more…)

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. perfect cookbook lovers salt cod, perfect cookbook te dislike mild, Atlantic fish. Leite, three-time James Beard–award winner proprietor Web site LeitesCulinaria.com, offers wealth recipes brackish dried fish, including traditional version pastéis bacalhau (salt cod fritters). cod amaazing dishes offered here. highlighting eclectic ingredients modern techniques tt define country today, Leite brings often-overlooked foods Portugal center stage. illustrated book begins wh extensive glossary Portuguese staples, plus port primer introduction Madeira, chapter devoted workhorse sundries fiery piri-piri paste smoked paprika oil. Ag home cooks introduced delectable jumble dishes range classic contemporary. (more…)