Book Selection: Contemporary Portuguese Literature

The aim of the presentation is to propose eight works of contemporary fiction written by Portuguese authors in the last 30 years. A brief introduction will attempt to provide the social and historical background of the generation of writers from the output of which the books were selected. This will focus mainly on the post-1974 cultural transition to a late capitalist liberal democracy which Portugal now lives in after 48 years of a morally conservative and isolationist dictatorship in what was the last European colonial empire. Based on the work of critic Miguel Real - for whom the Portuguese novel is currently going through"a truly golden age" -, some ideas will be shared on the spirit with which contemporary Portuguese writers - educated and writing in a society free of censorship - look at their work, and who they perceive their audience to be.

Location: Maison des Associations, salle Albert Jacquard
Starting time: 7:15 pm sharp
Presenter: Pedro

Format:

• Part 1: Presenter provides a short overview of the pre-selected books, highlighting some of the reviews and critics and other relevant background. Members who have read any of the books can contribute.

• Part 2: Participants are invited to introduce any book that they would like to recommend and provide a short overview thereof (on a voluntarily basis).

• Part 3: Participants vote to select the book to be discussed in one of the upcoming book discussion meetings.

Upcoming events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/future
Past events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/_past
Presentation slides (recent):
https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/slides-2026