Books In Public: A familiar tale of politics, evil dictators and riots (plus WIN a copy for yourself)

on 19 November 2011 in Lifestyle

Global Cool’s resident bookworm Danielle brings you her favourite reads, inspiring you to ditch the car and the stress of the morning commute and bury your head in a great book on the bus or train instead…

Pesky dictators, Europe in a mess, riots, protests and economic gloom: sound familiar? This week’s recommended book (which you can win a copy of) casts us back to a sweltering summer in troubled 1930s Portugal, but holds stark similarities to our current situation.

Even though the premier of the new Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn, is arguably the biggest news this week, there’s also the small matter of everyone’s favourite Italian Prime Minister handing in his resignation.

In light of this, I thought I’d bring a little political read your way this week. International bestseller, Pereira Maintains has been used by opponents of Berlusconi as a warning against political complacency and placed Italian creator Antonio Tabucchi on the map as a novelist to be listened to.

But enough about politics, what’s the story?
Dr Pereira is the arts editor of a sidelined Portuguese newspaper who is uninterested in politics, and would rather spend his energy reading nineteenth century French literature and mourning his beloved wife. Until his quiet world is upturned when a mysterious young man, with links to the anti-Franco International Brigade, enters his life. So begins an unlikely partnership that will lead this ordinary man into an extraordinary act of rebellion.

The phrase ‘Pereira maintains’ runs like an unsettling mantra throughout the novel, reminding the gripped reader of a mounting sense of imminent catastrophe. Although short and slim, this pocket-sized treasure will make you think about the implications of our actions, the importance of a political conscience and the worth of free speech.

With such a stirring read, you might even be inspired to talk about it with your fellow commuters. Now there’s a rebellious idea!

Fancy getting your hands on a copy? As usual, we’re giving it away to one lucky reader! Just tell us what you’re reading on the bus or train by 11am on Friday December 2 by leaving your recommendations in the comments box below. Good Luck!

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You can also have a chat with us on Twitter @booksinpublic

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED – THANKS FOR ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WELL DONE TO MAYA RUSSELL, WHOSE COMMENT WAS CHOSEN AT RANDOM TO WIN THE BOOK