His writing is deeply influenced by his roots, memories and meaningful family bonds. His prose reveals a fascinating poetical identity, a commitment to beauty and to the complex depths of the inner world.
José Luís Peixoto work is highly diversified: ranging from novels, poetry and travel books. He was actually one of the few authors to travel many times to North Corea and to report his experiences in this true land of secrecy, namely on the book Inside the Secret - a Journey in North Korea.
Abrantes, Constança and Sardoal
Published in 2022 by Quetzal publisher, the book Onde consists of a poetical homage in prose to the geography of Abrantes and neighbouring Constança and Sardoal, deeply cherished by the author.
This sentimental journey across 62 places full of meaning embraces the reader all along, in a beautiful mix of memory, bewilderment and sense of belonging.
The female soul of Abrantes
Abrantes is known as the “heart of Portugal”. Made of gold (“aurantes”) and flowers, Abrantes is embraced by the Tagus River that so clearly defines the spirit of the place. And also its flavours.
Abrantes is also a lady. The city owns an enduring female soul. There are flowers everywhere. Every corner of Abrantes is the perfect excuse for a flowery spot. They just bloom. Growing spontaneously in the most unexpected places. One of the most common flowers is the poppy that you are so familiar with. Or the Tudor roses, known in Portugal as “the English roses”. Are these happy coincidences? Who knows?
Abrantes has a contemplative soul. The city has stunning belvederes and lavish gardens, inhabited by exotic botanical species. There is even a Brazilian tree with a huge belly, resembling a pregnant woman. Abrantes is a city that embraces us like only mothers do. Abrantes holds you by the hand and it shows you the sheer beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.
Abrantes is woven with love. Olive oil production has always played a major role in the region of Abrantes. Women were in charge of weaving the so-called “seiras” and “capachos” that can be described as filters for the olive pressing process. The only factory that produced these “seiras” and “capachos” was owned by a man named Aristotle. Is this another happy coincidence? “Happiness depends on ourselves”, in the words of the Greek philosopher.
The first woman Prime-Minister in Portugal, Maria de Lurdes Pintasilgo, was born in Abrantes. She took office on August 1st 1979. She was also the first woman to run for the Presidency of Portugal in 1986. A visionary politician ahead of her time.
In 1897, Duarte Ferreira created the first forge in the tiny village of Tramagal, 5 km away from Abrantes. This would be the beginning of the metallurgical factory named after its founder who carried out a true social revolution. The iconic producer of the trucks Berliet-Tramagal that employed 1 thousand workers is an enlightening example of entrepreneurship with social concerns. And women were in the front row of the wiring work. Only for the brave.
Duarte Ferreira was known in the village of Tramagal as a quite strange man. He walked very quickly, trusting his faithful umbrella all the time. Another happy coincidence! His rush was the reflex of his pioneering vision. With eyes on the future.
“Life itself is founding iron.”
José Luís Peixoto, Onde
In the recently opened Iberian Museum of Archaeology and Art of Abrantes, renovated by the outstanding Portuguese architect Carrilho da Graça, visitors can watch the sculpture of Our Lady breastfeeding baby Jesus. A not so common image that bursts with humanity.
Abrantes puts a spell on us. Its charming cafés and colourful squares, its opulent gardens, its unique museums and historical landmarks, its welcoming restaurants and the inescapable view over the Tagus, its nearby fairy-tale villages of Sardoal and Constância and its female soul. Full of poetry and tenderness. Just like a gentle flower.
A place where we can still hear the sound of silence.
