Alentejo Blue

Alentejo Blue is the story of the Portuguese village of Mamarrosa told through the lives of those who live there and those who are passing through - men and women; children and old people; locals; tourists and expatriates. For some; such as Teresa; a beautiful; dreamy village girl; it is a place from which to escape; for others - the dysfunctional Potts family - it is a way of running from trouble (but not eluding it). Vasco; a cafe owner who has never recovered from the death of his American wife; clings to a notion that his years in America make him superior to the other villagers. One English tourist makes Mamarrosa the subject of her fantasy of a new life; while for her compatriots; a young engaged couple; Mamarrosa is where their dreams finally fall apart. At the book's opening an old man reflects on his long and troubled life in this beautiful and seemingly tranquil setting; and anticipates the return of Marco Afonso Rodrigues; the prodigal son of the village and a symbol of this now fast-changing world. The homecoming is the subject of continuing speculation; and when Marco Afonso Rodrigues does finally appear; villagers; tourists and expatriates are brought together and jealousies; passions and disappointments must inevitably collide.