blueyorkie 's review for:

Memorial do Convento by José Saramago
4.0

This fiction work is based on an indisputable fact: the reign of John V, King of Portugal, in 1681, which decided on the construction of the Convent of Mafra. This convent was to have a structure similar to that of the Escorial (located on the outskirts of Madrid), built by order of Philip II, King of Spain.
Father Bartolomeu Lourenço was inspired by a Brazilian priest who pioneered aeronautics.
So, historical data source. Saramago traces the wars, epidemics, and religious festivals of the past. It shows the church's collaboration with the monarchy to exploit the people's colonialism and blindness of those who govern and obey. Therefore, the reader cannot ignore prejudices, ideological lies, and abuses of power. This book does not date; we can easily tie it to the contemporary world because very little has changed. The emphasis was constantly on applying the good recipes of the past, which had already proved their worth.