A sweeping family saga set in rural Portugal in the 19th century, this novel explores the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption against a backdrop of political upheaval. The story centers on the beautiful and headstrong Clara, who is torn between her love for the nobleman Joao da Ega and her duty to marry the powerful landowner Manuel Pinheiro. With vivid descriptions of the Portuguese countryside and a deft touch for characterisation, Eca de Queiros illuminates the complex motivations that drive human behaviour.

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