Requiem: A Hallucination

Requiem is a funny, sad novella about the narrator's encounters in Lisbon, including a meeting with a drug addict, a taxi driver, a cemetery keeper, Isabel, and the ghost of Fernando Pessoa. It is a tribute to a country and its people and a farewell to the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A captivating and poignant novella that delves into the intricacies of human relationships, the passage of time, and the transformative power of memory. Set against the backdrop of Lisbon, the story follows the narrator's journey through a series of chance encounters and unexpected meetings, each one offering a unique perspective on life and love.

As the day unfolds, the narrator embarks on a mysterious tour of Lisbon, exploring its hidden corners and forgotten alleys. Along the way, he encounters a diverse range of characters, from a young drug addict to a disorientated taxi driver, a cemetery keeper, the enigmatic Isabel, and the ghost of the late great poet Fernando Pessoa.

Through these encounters, the narrator grapples with the complexities of human emotions and the complexities of the past. He reflects on his own experiences and memories, and how they have shaped him into the person he is today. The novella seamlessly blends elements of travelogue, autobiography, and fiction, creating a rich and layered narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Tabucchi is a master of illusion and allusion, and his writing is a testament to his talent for creating vivid and intricate worlds. Requiem is a literary puzzle that teases, amuses, and provokes the reader, inviting them to explore the depths of human consciousness and the mysteries of the human heart.

In conclusion, Requiem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling and the beauty of language. It is a poignant and evocative novella that will leave a lasting impression on the reader long after the last page has been turned.

Weight: 78g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241519318