Saudade

by Miriam Winthrop

Through the eyes of a captivating heroine, Saudade richly portrays the culture and history of the Azores archipelago.When Ann Parker finds herself without family, disconnected from friends, and shunned by the field of science that she built her life around, she flees to the islands. There, the interwoven stories of her life and the Azores’ past unfold. As Ann’s challenges come to light, the reader will root for her to remain hopeful, and as she explores her past and possible future, she will remind the reader of the value of the present.Between America and Europe, the Azores archipelago is isolated by thousands of miles of open ocean. In this picturesque but harsh environment, its people developed a special culture born of self-sufficiency, an intimate relationship with nature, and cohesiveness. A crossroads during the Age of Exploration, many minorities found opportunities there. They planted orange orchards and tea plantations, excelled at whaling and fishing, made fine cheeses and wines prized by European royalty, and they thrived until one by one their endeavors were dealt death blows by disease, politics, and cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. The diaspora to America took one in three Azores from their homeland, and by the 1960s there were more Americans of Azorean descent than there were Azoreans.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up to read in preparation for a recent trip to the Azores. In some ways it was exactly what I was looking for, and in other ways it missed the mark completely.

Ann Parker's life is falling apart, so she decides to spend an indeterminate amount of time in Pico, licking her wounds while continuing her genealogical search into her family's connection to the Azores.

What I really liked about this novel is the setting - place, history, traditions, the people, natural history, etc. Learning about the islands and the migrations of vast numbers of people to the US, including the Boston area, was fascinating. But then, about halfway or so through the book things started to get strange, and a fantasy element seeped in that had me shaking my head in disbelief. What was the point of that angle? I'll never know. Still, if you find yourself looking for a fictional story set in the Azores, I'd recommend the first half to two thirds of this one.

[ABCme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a journey! This book has just made it to my favorites list. It covers the island of Pico in all its beauty, the people, the places, through different eras. Absolutely awe inspiring. The writing is stunner, very deep at times, grabbed me by the throat here and there. There was laughter and tears, a lot of indepth character and always glorious nature. Must read!

[AlexNJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read and rated this first a few months ago, and I really did love it. I decided to return and write a review because this book has stayed with me as strongly as any of my favorites. Not only is Ann one of the most memorable characters I have met but--in retrospect--Saudade is one of the most perfectly crafted pieces of writing on my shelves. Winthrop has a unique "blended" approach to telling her story, creating layer upon layer of sublime reading. True, it is an engrossing story, but it is also an introduction to a fascinating archipelago (previously unknown to me), a poetic escape into gorgeous nature, and a wise reminder of what is truly important. Over and over, I find myself referring to something I read in Saudade. The author has a lovely, lyrical voice. I can't wait for her next offering.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a complete package for me: an engrossing storyline; a richly depicted setting that made me want to get on a plane and relocate there; a movingly portrayed, believable heroine; and uplifting messages that don't hit you over the head by being too "preach-y." Saudade is an ingenious, inventive story. And I learned so much! It wasn't until days and weeks later that I appreciated how much fact was woven into the fiction. Not only did a discover a part of the world I knew nothing about--everything from its geology to its history--but I learned all sorts of other things: winemaking, cheesemaking, candlemaking, how whales were hunted, how immigrants were processed through Ellis Island, how San Diego changed from frontier backwater to city nearly overnight, and lots about genealogy research. Can you tell I really enjoyed this one?

[Pat Sh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann is a memorable, fascinating, realistic character. I felt such empathy for her, even as she made choices I knew were wrong. An inventive story. Great plot, weaving together stories of the past and present. And a surprise twist that will leave you smiling. An uplifting, hopeful ending. A bonus is the beautiful illustrations the author has included.

[Toni Bettencourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a kind masterpiece

I thoroughly enjoyed this book due to the exquisite vocabulary, which expanded my own. I don't know how or why I was drawn to this book, it must have been preordained. It happens that my grandfather was born in Pico and immigrated to America in the early 1900's. I found, based on the genealogical research I am currently doing, that the author's knowledge of the history of Pico is factually accurate. I also was drawn into the story along with the heroine and made scientific discoveries with her as the book progressed. This is an extraordinary work and well worth reading.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this upon finishing it. The time travel thing was strange and not well executed. But the setting and the characters other than the central character were pleasing. In the weeks since, I have found myself remembering it as if it was a place I visited and would like to return to.

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I could picture my self in Pico.

[Matt Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting deeply personal tale of loss, and discovery, on the author's family's island in the Azores. I picked this up to learn more about the Azores before a trip there last summer. It did not really help for that, the story is very much about recovering from a tragic event by seeking solitude. I can imagine a place like the Azores is perfect for that, especially if you were from there and it brings back memories you did not know you had. I enjoyed the story.

[Penny G · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many different elements to this book, it's hard for me to pigeonhole it. A story of immigrants? A story of a crushed life? a victorious life? A love story? (And the most unexpected story--alluded to by other reviewers--that I won't spoil here.)

What I am certain of is this: the writing is lyrical joy, the central character is crystally defined, the backdrop (the Azores) is so beautifully described that at times I'm certain I must have been there and at that time.

[Winifred Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. So very moving. I had no idea what to expect..chose it because we are on a transatlantic cruise stopping in Ponta Delgada and i wanted to read something set in the Azores. However i did have a problem with the ending....i am a very analytical person and i find magic realism something i cant always follow. I would love to see a discussion of the book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saudade went straight to my heart. I wanted to spend time with the characters, and thanks to superb writing, that's exactly what I was able to do. It's also a book that appeals on many levels. It took me to places I had never been. It taught me about things I never knew. It made me feel things I had never felt.