The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis (Harvest in Translation)

Set in 1936 Portugal, this novel follows Dr. Ricardo Reis, who returns to Lisbon after years in Brazil upon learning of the death of poet Fernando Pessoa. As dictator António de Oliveira Salazar consolidates power and the country moves toward civil war, Reis abandons his medical practice to write poetry and spend his days wandering the city's streets and boulevards. He pursues relationships with two women while being shadowed by Pessoa's ghost throughout his travels. As fascist revolution unfolds around him, Reis's life intersects with three strangers—two living and one dead. Through these encounters, he confronts questions about the nature of his own existence. The novel explores human relationships and dreams against a backdrop of political upheaval. Translated by Giovanni Pontiero, this work is a PEN Award winner.