A tiny break from the adventures of the Intrepid 10. One windy evening when the sun was shining brightly, it was just 20.30hrs. Maureen lent me her copy of 'Histórias da Terra e do Mar’ by Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Now I am a sucker for Sophia, her stories hardly have well constructed plots, but her descriptions leave me breathless, every pormenor, every sight, every smell are there for you to savour. This book is no different.
Just five short stories which transport you to a land where you can hear waves crashing, feel the sand between your toes, see the dunes and even smell the salt in the air.
"História da Gata Borralheira" is a take on the story of Cinderella and the glass slipper, but unlike Cinderella this Gata Borralheira does not live happily ever, frankly who does. For every joy, for every new dress a price is extracted from her. Makes you wonder if all the riches were worth it.
"O Silêncio" is heart breaking; you hear the scream much after it has died down.
"A Casa do Mar" my favourite, here Sophia excels, there is no plot just the description of a house which opens all its corners, nooks and crannies. Reveals all its secrets for you. You live the story of the house.
"Saga" the story of Hans and his burning desire to be a sailor, his triumph as well as his bitter loss.
"Vila d'Arcos" narrates the story of a once palatial house now in disrepair but a house that still manages to keep its respect and its grandeur.
Sophia the realist tells you that nothing in life comes for free. Sophia the lover of sea takes us to a world where you can feel the sea and all its power around you.
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