It is the latest work of fiction by Helena Marques that follows a troubled period of the history of the twentieth century, World War II. Is the story of the presence of Nazis in an uncharted island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.
I've always liked historical novels because, as a rule writers are always careful to contextualize the main figures of the plot in time and space as close to that same reality. Romanced the interaction between the characters, but this makes the narrative more interesting and helps to "hold" the reader. When the writing is fluid and clear, we are transported to these locations without ever having been there. Describe the daily lives of people, objects and gestures that are strange to us, but that help the narrative. "We traveled" sitting on the couch, a delight that only make us feel better. Therefore, when first I stumbled upon this publication I was quite surprised and intrigued by the title. Then I was even more amazed at the plot, since I was unaware of this chapter in the history of Madeira.
My notion of the 2nd World War was fead by my parents, who recalled a childhood marked by the severe shortage of food on the island at the time, and more, a bad memory smell that accompanied it, particularly my father, with the famous lamps with whale oil. Even today when he speaks about that period, recalls that could not have the lights on, the windows were covered with darkened sheets to avoid even the slightest fringe of light, as warplanes flew over the island at night and the only acceptable form of lighting , available and affordable, was disliked by everyone because of its bad smell. But what I do not recall was any reference to the Nazis. Incidentally, these was the reason that led me to read this book. And for once, it lifts the veil of a certain society of the city of Funchal, who was until them unknow to me, since my parents came from the rural areas, and also how politics comes to a point somewhere apparently lost in the Atlantic Ocean.
Helena Marques tells us accurately, the history of these various characters that intersect at various points on the island and its weaknesses as human beings. The plot focuses on the actions of intimidation perpetrated by the Nazis in Madeiran land and the persecution of Jews in this locations. Read it and enjoy it. It's almost a breath .. and I say no more, for it will have to read it! Good reading.
