
audiobook
by Ramalho Ortigão, Eça de Queirós
A young traveler sets out for the famed Cintra road, hoping to escape the stifling routine of Lisbon’s bustling streets. Along the winding path he encounters a parade of uncanny characters—a masked doctor with secret remedies, a flamboyant English captain, and even exotic beasts such as tigers and elephants that seem to belong to a distant circus. Their encounters spark a series of daring escapades, whispered conspiracies, and fleeting romances that blur the line between reality and imagination.
The narrative unfolds like a lively correspondence, each letter revealing new clues and unexpected twists that keep the listener guessing. As the protagonist follows the road’s hidden signs, he is drawn into a world of opium‑laden salons, elegant skeletons, and mysterious caravans that promise both danger and wonder. The story captures the restless spirit of an age eager for adventure, inviting you to wander the same mist‑covered highway and discover what lies beyond the next turn.
Language
pt
Duration
~6 hours (395K characters)
Series
Collecção Antonio Maria Pereira
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Lisboa: Livraria de Antonio Maria Pereira, Editor 50--Rua Augusta--54 Typographia e Stereotypia Moderna 11--Apostolos--1.^o 1894
Credits
Produced by Pedro Saborano (This file was produced from images generously made available by National Library of Portugal (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal).)
Release date
2007-02-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1836–1915
A sharp-eyed Portuguese writer and critic, he became famous for witty social commentary that captured the habits, flaws, and ambitions of his age. His work still stands out for its intelligence, humor, and close attention to everyday life.
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1845–1900
Best known for sharp, witty novels that captured the habits and hypocrisies of 19th-century Portuguese society, this major realist writer also spent much of his life working as a diplomat. His stories mix social satire with memorable characters, which helps explain why works like The Maias still feel lively today.
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