By the Rivers of Babylon

"By the Rivers of Babylon" is a profound and genre-defying work of literature about love, death, and illness from one of Portugal's most celebrated writers. It is an homage to the beauty of a cherished life in its confrontation with imminent death.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

A profound and genre-defying masterpiece of literature, "By the Rivers of Babylon" delves into the depths of love, death, and illness, offering a captivating exploration of human experiences. Written by one of Portugal's most celebrated writers, this extraordinary book has garnered critical acclaim worldwide.

"One of the essential writers of our tormented times," Alberto Manguel, Times Literary Supplement, praises its author. "Little prepares one for this extraordinary book, in which each chapter, covering a single day, and lasting a single sentence, offers a teeming stream of consciousness." Michael Autrey, Booklist, also lauds it, stating, "Even pain is alive, and alive is the word for this book, alive and enduring."

In the aftermath of a malignant tumor's removal, the narrator, António, finds himself confined to a hospital in Lisbon, grappling with the indignities of severe illness. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, he revisits fragments of his life, reconnecting with the people who have shaped his journey. From his childhood in a picturesque village nestled by the Mondego River, surrounded by the eucalyptus and pines, to his parents, grandparents, and the close-knit community of potato farmers and tungsten miners, António's memories unfold like a symphony of voices and places.

"By the Rivers of Babylon" seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, showcasing the remarkable power of memory to provide solace and strength in the face of extraordinary suffering. This is António Lobo Antuness heartfelt tribute to the beauty of a cherished life, as it confronts the inevitability of death.

Through its vivid prose and evocative imagery, "By the Rivers of Babylon" invites readers to immerse themselves in the narrator's world, experiencing the pain, joy, and complexities of human existence. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.

"By the Rivers of Babylon" is a literary masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to embark on its journey. It is a testament to the power of literature to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of readers, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human experience and reminding us of the beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 138 x 204 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300233414