Beautiful and Haunting Story of an Portuguese Immigrant Family
Manuel was sent off to fish for his Portuguese village, as all other men and boys do. But he wanted more for his life, and wanted to get away from this life forever. This is the story about him and his family’s immigrant experience in Canada.
This is said to be a book of linked stories, however, I read it as a novel. I loved the breath taking descriptions of both Portugal and Canada. Anthony De Sa paints a beautiful, at times haunting portrait of the immigrant experience. With sumptuous prose, he tells of the ups and downs of the Rebelo family. The only thing that I found difficult, is when the narrator changes from father to son, it took me a little while to figure out that the son took over.
That said, I recommend this beautiful small book. In this case, good things do come in small packages!
4/5
Publication Date in Canada: March 18, 2008 (Thanks to BookLounge.ca for the advanced reading copy)
It sounds like a real treat. Must be interesting to get a Portuguese/Canadian comparison.
From ready the first couple pages, I didn’t think I was going to like it, but by the third page, I was pretty hooked.
Sounds like a good one, Teddy.
Love your new look Teddy – very pretty.
Suzi Q: Thank You, Thank You Very Much!
Just wanted to say, the blog looks terrific!
I gave you an ‘award’ on my blog.
Wow Christina,
Thank you so much for the award! I humbly accept it!
You’re absolutely crazy. I’ve never read such a hilariously overwritten book. The prose is so purple it could pass for an eggplant.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for stopping by! When I first picked up the book I thought the same thing as you, but as I read more and I it really grew on me. What can I say? Lets agree to disagree on this one.
So much in life is a matter of taste, isn’t it? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. You have every right to enjoy whatever book you want. I’ll shut my obnoxious mouth now.
(By the way, I’m a cat lover too. Your Gina is a real beauty. I know from experience how much you must miss her. Keep well.)
I’m sorry, I meant Tina.
Shirley,
You have every right to voice your opinion. Just because I liked doesn’t mean that everyone else should. In fact, I think it’s good for readers to heard more that one persons opinion and I welcome comments, pro or con.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you do again!
I knew who you ment Shirley. Thanks for your kind words!
Hi Teddy Rose,
My name is Anthony De Sa, author of BARNACLE LOVE. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for reading my book and warmly recommending it to others.
Anthony
Thanks for stopping by Anthony! I really did enjoy your book.
Are you writing another now?
Yes, I am. It’s a novel that is set in 1977 around the brutal murder of a young boy. It is essentially “The Shoeshine Boy” that is is this collection, only developed more fully.
To read a brief summary visit my website at anthonydesa.com
Good luck with the BLOG – well done!
I love these type of immigrant, family history stories. They make for good reading. I wish I could write one.
love these types of memoirs.
I am going to recommend this book to my brother. He is a Newfoundlander at heart and would enjoy it.
This book sounds gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve read any books with Portuguese culture and I am always looking to learn about a new culture.