How to Clean a Fish: And Other Adventures in Portugal

How to Clean a Fish is a memoir about an extended family's stay in Portugal, full of food, adventure, and the search for home. It explores cobblestone alleys, painted tiles, bica, pastel de nata, fado concerts, local fishmongers, and the need to connect with the culture of our birth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: University of Alberta Press

Esmeralda Cabral was offered the opportunity to live in Costa da Caparica for an extended period, and she jumped at the chance to return to the country of her birth. Accompanied by her Canadian-born husband, children, and Portuguese Water Dog, Maggie, Cabral embarked on a journey of discovery. They explored a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys and beautiful painted tiles, savored delicious bica and pastel de nata, attended a classic fado concert, encountered the gentle ribbing of local fishmongers, and witnessed the devastating effects of high tide. Throughout their adventure, Cabral translated words and emotions for her family, creating a rich tapestry of experiences.

Packed with local cuisine and customs, tales of language barriers and bureaucracy, and interwoven with the irresistible urge to connect with the culture of our birth, How to Clean a Fish is a captivating read for those curious about life in Portugal and for anyone who has relocated and is searching for their own version of home.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781772126556