David's Reviews > Os Maias

What a book! I can honestly say that I enjoyed it cover to cover. I can see why this is a classic in Portuguese literature. Sadly I had never heard of the book nor the author until my GR Portuguese friends’ recommended it. Muito obrigado!

Eça de Queirós has been compared to the Portuguese version of Gustave Flaubert. On many levels I can see why. His book tells tells the story of three generations of Lisbon family, and paints a vivid image of the wealthier side of the city around 1875. Like in Flaubert, the rich have their muses; the poor, not so. This is not the historical realism or morality of Emile Zola or Victor Hugo. Instead, it is much more subtle.

The plot is a great story. Pedro da Maia kills himself after his wife leaves him for an another man and so young Carlos da Maia, his son is raised by his grandfather, Alfonso in his grand house, called O Ramalhete (Bouquet) on Rua das janelas verdes of Lisboa (now one of the “sexiest” hotels in Europe). http://www.palacio-ramalhete.com/en/

Carlos goes on to become a doctor and practices in the city. Like many bourgeoisie of the time, entertainment is a way of life and they enjoy dinners at the swanky Hotel Central on Praça do Duque da Terceira. Life is grande!

Carlos surrounds himself with a most interesting group of friends, the poet Alencar, the Finish ambassador, Steinbroken, the Englishman, Craft, the Count and Countess of Gouvarinho and of course, his dear friend, João da Ega. Ega is quite the character - a blend of charismatic goof and bohemian artist in the truest sense. And his friendship with Carlos never waivers.

At these dinner affairs, talk centers around the arts, literature, politics, good food, wine and the all pervasive charutos. At the center of it all - women. Carlos has an affair with the countess, but then enters Castro Gomes and his “wife” Maria Eduarda and her daughter Rosa. Carlos is smitten. Nothing like an affair to liven things up. But Maria has a secret past and this affair truly changes the story. No spoiler here.

Eça de Queirós employs a style of gossip, candid talk and a moving storyline that keeps this massive book moving (686 pages). Light entertainment and dark passages. Witty and humor mixed in with political and social change. One of the characters, Guimarães is involved with a party that becomes the communist party. Political intrigue; financial gains; affairs of the heart. In effect, a slice of the Portuguese bourgeois life.

One thing that perplexed me is the role of women during this time. If something happened to her husband, such as death or an affair, often she was left with nothing other than to find another husband (especially if she had a young child to support). Sadly this is one of the main issues of a historical novel. Those were the times. Good for some; bad for a whole lot of others.

There is a lot in this book to discuss and no need to develop a thesis. All I can say is if you like a great yarn, a grand historical novel full of outstanding characters, you will like this book. I honestly think it needs a wider audience.

I waivered between a 4 and 5 rating. The fact I enjoyed reading this book so much in a span of ten days shows it deserves a five. Now what will I read now?