Sure a woman has been murdered and the eye witness is a talking, thinking, reading stuffed donkey, but it is not entirely absurd, for it suggests a number of human truths like a short electric cut through Wittgenstein, who plays a role in the novel that begins with the sheer absurd and ends with a more elevated absurd, you odd and Cartesian human reader.A book that can be read in one sitting, it is also a book that you will read at least three times if you do race through it in a sitting. Perhaps you should read it standing. Standing and leaning? Well, that would allow some leg flexing, yes. But isn’t your concentration sharper if you are sitting? And though your legs stretch less, is the trade-off between less stretching worth it for the rest they have in not supporting your body? And which is better for your head? Sitting, as you can rest your face in your hands? Or standing, which allows better back to head stretching? What if someone enters the room? Why did they? Did they intend to interrupt your reading of Bedraggling Grandma with Russian Snow? If not, why did they interrupt your reading of Bedraggling Grandma with Russian Snow? For they did, indeed, interrupt your reading of Bedraggling Grandma with Russian Snow. Would they have felt less free to do so if you were standing? Does sitting invite interruption?These are questions you will not think to ask until after you realized that you have been slyly taught how to think by this Portuguese master of humor, philosophy, and imagination, João Reis."I’m sorry for diverting from the main issue, dear gentlemen, but as you know, every single detail might be of importance, life and occurrences are a perfect sphere, no angles and no end, you are detectives and surely understand why I can’t leave all the connecting dots and wires and cables and threads lying around out there untouched unseen unheard."

    Few place-names in the Christian world conjure up such powerful images and associations as that of this humble town in Portugal. For it was there that Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children beginning in 1917—apparitions that are intimately linked to pious Catholic practices such as devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the five first Saturdays, daily recitation of the Rosary with the Fatima prayer, as well as miracles attested to even by non-believers, such as the “day the sun danced.” The Virgin’s message, as it always is, was penance. But she also predicted world historical events such as the rise and fall of communism, the second world war, and the attempted assassination of Pope St. John Paul II. She promised refuge in her Immaculate Heart to all who approach her—a promise extended, and urgently needed, today. This beautifully illustrated volume will be treasured by long-time devotees of our Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Fatima, as well as those, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, who seek to learn more about the dramatic events related to the apparition that have unfolded over the course of the last century. In Fatima: The Apparition That Changed the World, noted Catholic author and Blue Army member Jean M. Heimann traces the history of the apparitions at Cova da Iria and, assisted by over fifty full-color illustrations, guides the reader through the hundred years since the Mother of God appeared to three little children in a small town in Portugal.

    It is also one of the great undiscovered culinary centres of Europe. Internationally renowned chef Nuno Mendes is a 'Lisboeta' (native of Lisbon) and in this groundbreaking cookbook, he invites you to experience his favourite places, and the incredible food you will discover there.Sharing recipes inspired by the dishes that he loves, Nuno takes you through a typical day in Lisbon. Here you will discover the secrets to the most delicious pastéis de nata, the custard tarts for which Lisbon is so famous, and bolas de Berlim, fluffy doughnuts stuffed with custard that are sold on the beach. For lunch you might sample some typical seafood, like squid sizzling in a pan with garlic and coriander, or grilled sardines with a roasted green pepper salad. And as night draws in, Nuno offers his recipes for rich and warming dishes like slow-baked lamb chanfana and roasted orange-rub pork belly with fennel – which may even be followed with a cheeky prego sandwich after dinner. These are the heart-warming, vibrant dishes of a city with a modern, bustling food scene that is nevertheless steeped in centuries-old traditions. Nuno's portraits of Lisbon's idiosyncrasies are threaded through the pages: impromptu sardine grills, endless snacking and city-wide street carnivals. With luminous photography shot on location, this book will bring to life Portugal's magnificent capital city and its fabulous cuisine.

    Nevertheless, the plucky city has always bounced back and today it’s positively thriving. We’ve combed the cobbled streets to find the best bacalhau, the creamiest pastéis de nata and the sweetest ginjinha. We’ve also visited museums dedicated to everything from horse-drawn carriages to cutting-edge technology and discovered daringly modern architecture among red-tiled townhouses and baroque churches. Allow us to guide you through this eminently liveable (did we mention there are sandy beaches?) and fast-changing city.The Monocle Travel Guide series reveals our favourite places in each city we cover, from the ideal route for an early-morning run to the best spots for independent retail. Full of surprises and quirks, they also feature detailed design and architecture pages, neighbourhood walks to get you away from the crowds and our favourite places to eat everything be it tasty fast food or something truly celebratory.

    The name is that of a murdered sex offender – and the man who killed him, convicted in Hal’s first ever murder case, has just been released from prison.As he digs deeper, Hal discovers multiple links between Dr Seagrove, the recently released killer Nino Gaudiano, and Nino’s long-missing daughter Louisa. Hal must tread a fine line as he digs into the secrets of several people involved in both cases – and time is running out. Meanwhile, Hal’s convoluted personal life is strained, as his relationship with boyfriend Stevie is on the rocks and he has to deal with revelations about his world-famous father…

    The second is the reason I'm here. When Alexandra discovers that her husband Philippe is having an affair, she can’t believe he’d risk losing the love that has transformed both their lives.Still in shock, Alexandra finds herself powerfully attracted to a much younger man. Jean-Luc Malavoine is twenty-three, intense and magnetic. He’s also the son of Philippe’s best friend.With every increasingly passionate liaison, Alexandra is pulled deeper into a situation that threatens everyone she holds dear.Beautifully told through the boulevards and arrondissements of the City of Light, Paris Mon Amour is a sensual novel about inescapable desire and devastating betrayals. It is the story of one woman and two men, and what happens when there is no way out.‘A truly emotional ride. A story of lust, love and loss with a beautifully described Paris as its backdrop. I galloped through it in a couple of days’ Claire Fuller, author of Our Endless Numbered DaysIsabel Costello is the host of the Literary Sofa blog, which features authors from new talent to New York Times bestselling novelists. Guest writers on the blog have included Patrick Gale, Linda Grant, Tracy Chevalier and Karen Joy Fowler. She read Modern Languages (French and German) at Oxford, before pursuing a career in marketing and communications. She is now a full-time writer, and lives in London.

    

    In Lisbon, Rebecca Seal shares her favorite recipes, inspired by her travels. Set on seven hills, Lisbon features world-class beaches, city views, and wild forests. And the food is as diverse as the surroundings - there's so much more to it than just cod and custard tarts. Featuring over 80 accessible recipes based on traditional Portuguese cuisine, including Caldo Verde (kale soup), Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato clams in white wine and garlic), and pesticos (Portuguese tapas). From the bars of Bairro Alto to the cafes in Chiado, there's something for everyone. All set to the stunning backdrop of eighteenth century buildings, ornate churches, nostalgic trams, and pastel-colored houses, Lisbon is a stunning cookbook.