{"title":"Series: Portuguese Literature Series","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the rich tapestry of narratives and historical depth with our \u003cem\u003ePortuguese Literature Series\u003c\/em\u003e. This carefully curated collection features some of the most compelling works from Portuguese authors, offering a window into the vibrant culture and fascinating history of Portugal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the highlights of this collection is \u003cem\u003eCommission of Tears\u003c\/em\u003e, a poignant tale that delves into themes of identity, endurance, and the complexities of the human spirit. This literary gem, alongside other distinguished works, provides readers with an intimate look at the societal and emotional landscapes shaping contemporary Portuguese fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are a seasoned enthusiast of world literature or just beginning to explore Portuguese narratives, this series promises a captivating journey through the imaginative worlds of its celebrated authors. Embark on a literary adventure that is as enlightening as it is engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"commission-of-tears-by-antonio-lobo-antunes-9781628975079","title":"Commission of Tears","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntónio Lobo Antunes's twenty-fifth novel, \u003ci\u003eCommission of Tears\u003c\/i\u003e (2011, \u003ci\u003eComissão das Lágrimas\u003c\/i\u003e), is set during the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002). Angola attained official independence on 11 November 1975 and, while the stage was set for transition, a combination of ethnic tensions and international pressures rendered Angola's hard-won victory problematic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many post-colonial states, Angola was left with both economic and social difficulties, which translated into a power struggle between the three predominant liberation movements. The People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), formed in December 1956 as an offshoot of the Angolan Communist Party, had as its support base the Ambundu people and was largely supported by other African countries, Cuba, and the Soviet Union.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this novel, Lobo Antunes delves into this traumatic period of Angola's history through the fragmented memories and dreams of a broken woman. The author drew from the story of the commander of the female battalion MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) who was tortured and killed following the state coup of May 1977. It is said that while they tortured her, she did not stop singing. This is the story of Cristina, admitted into a psychiatric clinic in Lisbon. In her torrent of memories, dialogues, and traumatic episodes, Cristina remembers her early childhood in Africa, at a time when everything inside her head was intertwined with her father's voice, who was a former Black priest and became one of the torturers of the 'Commission of Tears.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCristina's white mother, a cabaret dancer imported from Lisbon to entertain Portuguese farmers in Angola, marries the Black ex-priest because she finds herself pregnant with Cristina by the man who exploits her, the cabaret manager. The long, twisting narrative weaves together the three voices of daughter, father, and mother as they recall the terrors of their life in Angola and their own suffering. Their personal tragedies, scarred by racism and abuse, mirror those of the country that is being torn asunder around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711159849196,"sku":"9781628975079","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/27169863482767.jpg?v=1754193056"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/series-portuguese-literature-series.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}