
*MARIA AMALIA VAZ DE CARVALHO*
A vivid portrait of Lisbon’s high society unfolds as the young Leonor de Almeida is introduced, born into a lineage of military heroes and aristocratic ambition. The opening chapters trace her family’s rise—from her grandfather’s exploits in the Spanish succession wars to the opulent celebrations that marked the acquisition of the Alorna title—while hinting at the stormy political currents that will soon sweep through the court. Through richly detailed scenes of grand festivals, theatrical spectacles, and whispered conspiracies, the narrative captures the tension between inherited privilege and the restless spirit of the age.
The author blends meticulous historical research with lyrical storytelling, allowing listeners to feel the weight of tradition and the allure of rebellion that defined eighteenth‑century Portugal. As Leonor’s character emerges—combining striking beauty, a fierce temperament, and an innate talent for the arts—she becomes a lens through which the era’s cultural and political transformations are explored. Early encounters with figures like the reformist Pombal set the stage for a dramatic clash between the old nobility and emerging Enlightenment ideas, promising a compelling journey through a pivotal moment in Portuguese history.
Language
pt
Duration
~4 hours (254K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Portugal: Sociedade Editora, 1920.
Credits
The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2023-04-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1847–1921
A pioneering voice in Portuguese letters, she wrote poetry, fiction, essays, and sharp reflections on women's education, marriage, and religion. She also made history as the first woman admitted to the Lisbon Academy of Sciences.
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