Velha Estante

Vítor rated Einer singt falsch: 4 stars

Felix, Theo, Felix.: Einer singt falsch (Paperback, German language, 1993, Langenscheidt)

Einer singt falsch by Felix, Theo, Felix. (Leichte Lektüren -- Deutsch als Fremdsprache in drei Stufen -- Stufe 2)

Story designed to teach German.

Vítor reviewed Where or when by Anita Shreve

Anita Shreve: Where or when (1994, Abacus)

Review of 'Where or when' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

Not my usual kind of read. I came across this book after ending my vacation book too early and finding this one on a book sharing shelf. The writing is actually good and, together with one caracther's obsession of one day going to Portugal, kept me going till the end. The storyline is however a bit hard to buy: a one week teenage love story that comes back in full force 31 years later. It is however a mostly pleasant read that feels very cinematic.

Vítor reviewed The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel

Yann Martel: The High Mountains of Portugal (2016)

The High Mountains of Portugal is a 2016 novel by Canadian author Yann Martel. The …

Review of 'The High Mountains of Portugal' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I was a bit surprised to find so many negative reviews of this book here at Goodreads as I truly enjoyed it. I guess it helps that I never read "The life of Pi", so I came to "The High Mountains of Portugal" without the same expectations as apparently many other readers. One of the things I enjoyed the most is how Portuguese the book feels, its weirdness and tragicomedy reminds of Saramago and one almost never senses the tone "of the foreign writer describing the exotic land", which I greatly appreciated. In any case Portugal is just the scenario of the book, its main topic is mourning and each part is also a lesson on topics so different and unexpected as automobile pioneer era, christian theology and chimpanzee behavior - real lessons, not mere show off of random knowledge. All in all I found it tremendously enjoyable and enriching. …

I was a bit surprised to find so many negative reviews of this book here at Goodreads as I truly enjoyed it. I guess it helps that I never read "The life of Pi", so I came to "The High Mountains of Portugal" without the same expectations as apparently many other readers. One of the things I enjoyed the most is how Portuguese the book feels, its weirdness and tragicomedy reminds of Saramago and one almost never senses the tone "of the foreign writer describing the exotic land", which I greatly appreciated. In any case Portugal is just the scenario of the book, its main topic is mourning and each part is also a lesson on topics so different and unexpected as automobile pioneer era, christian theology and chimpanzee behavior - real lessons, not mere show off of random knowledge. All in all I found it tremendously enjoyable and enriching. A must read.

Vítor reviewed Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Paperback, Chinese language, 2018, Beijing United Publishing co., LTD)

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is an autobiographical comedy book written …

Review of 'Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Definitely living up to the high expectations I had and going well beyond them. Trevor Noah is an excellent story teller and his still young life could easily justify a long collection of books. Truly inspirational.

Vítor reviewed Felix Und Theo - Level 2 by Felix

Felix, Theo: Felix Und Theo - Level 2 (Paperback, German language, 1996, Langenscheidt)

Review of 'Felix Und Theo - Level 2' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Das ist nicht die typische Detektivgeschichte. Aber es hat eine starke Botschaft über das Leben von Behinderte.

Vítor rated Retour à Reims: 3 stars

Didier Eribon: Retour à Reims (French language)

Retour à Reims by Didier Eribon

Vítor rated Oktoberfest: 4 stars

No cover — Felix.: Oktoberfest (German language, 1995, Langenscheidt)

Oktoberfest by Felix. (Leichte Lektüren -- Deutsch als Fremdsprache in drei Stufen -- Stufe 1)

Vítor rated Macandumba: 4 stars

Macandumba by José Luandino Vieira (Prosa)

Vítor rated Le Parfum : histoire d'un meurtrier: 4 stars

Patrick Süskind: Le Parfum : histoire d'un meurtrier (French language, 1986)

Le Parfum : histoire d'un meurtrier by Patrick Süskind

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (German: Das Parfum: Die Geschichte eines Mörders; pronounced [das paʁˈfɛ̃ː diː ɡəˈʃɪçtə ˈaɪ̯nəs ˈmœʁdɐs] …

Vítor rated Contos à moda do Porto: 4 stars

Miguel Miranda: Contos à moda do Porto (Portuguese language, 2014, 11-17)

Contos à moda do Porto by Miguel Miranda (Biblioteca Miguel Miranda -- 1)

Vítor rated Felix Und Theo - Level 1: 3 stars

Felix, Theo: Felix Und Theo - Level 1 (Paperback, German language, 1999, Langenscheidt)

Felix Und Theo - Level 1 by Felix, Theo

Vítor reviewed Coming Home by Michael McCaughan

Michael McCaughan: Coming Home (Paperback, 2017, Gill Books)

Review of 'Coming Home' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Pleasurable and inspiring read for anyone studying another language (I'm learning German). Also lots to learn about Ireland, its history and culture. The author proves the point that it's never too late to learn a new language and shows the way for anyone who wants to follow his steps. A great guide for someone trying to learn Irish and a great inspiration for people trying to learn any other language as well.