3 international novels set in Portugal released this year

1From the sun-drenched Algarve to a secluded Atlantic fishing village, the new titles span romance, historical fiction and Cold War-era espionage, reflecting the growing appeal of Portugal in contemporary literature.

As reported by NiT, the latest releases include a new romance by bestselling British author Julie Caplin, a historical novel by Siobhan Curham, and the long-awaited Portuguese edition of Len Deighton’s espionage classic “Horse Under Water”.

Romance in the Algarve

Known for transporting readers to destinations around the world through her romantic fiction, Julie Caplin has previously set novels in Copenhagen, Paris, Scotland and Tokyo. Her latest book, “Uma Pousada no Algarve”, published in Portugal by Quinta Essência in May, brings readers to southern Portugal for the first time.

This novel follows Rebecca, who accepts a job at a family-run guesthouse in an idyllic Algarve fishing village after a painful heartbreak. Hoping for a fresh start, she instead finds herself drawn to Felipe Rebelo, a charismatic local whose seemingly carefree personality hides deeper responsibilities.

The Algarve has increasingly featured in international fiction in recent years, with publishers showcasing the region’s coastline, traditional villages and relaxed lifestyle as an attractive backdrop for stories centred on personal reinvention and romance.

Cold War espionage arrives in Portuguese

Among this year’s most notable releases is “Águas Turvas”, the Portuguese edition of Len Deighton’s acclaimed novel “Horse Under Water”, published by ASA on 21 July.

Originally released in 1963, the story is widely regarded as one of the British author’s defining works and helped establish his reputation alongside espionage writers such as John le Carré and Ian Fleming.

Set during the Estado Novo dictatorship under António Oliveira Salazar, the book follows a British intelligence officer sent to the Algarve to investigate a German submarine lying on the seabed since World War II. What initially appears to be a routine mission develops into a complex web of espionage, deception and political intrigue, with secrets hidden beneath the Atlantic proving just as dangerous as those on land.

The novel forms part of Deighton’s long-running unnamed spy series and is recognised for offering a more grounded and realistic alternative to the glamour traditionally associated with James Bond.

Historical fiction uncovers secrets on the Portuguese coast

Released in May, “A Última Canção de Sofia Castelo” is the latest novel by British author Siobhan Curham, whose previous works include the internationally successful “The Storyteller of Auschwitz”.

The book centres on Lily Christie, a struggling writer who is commissioned to write the memoirs of legendary singer Sofia Castelo, believed to have died during a tragedy in 1941.

However, Lily discovers Sofia is still alive, living in secrecy in a small Portuguese fishing village. As the elderly woman recounts her past, the novel reveals a hidden life spent assisting the Allied forces during World War II, alongside a love story shaped by sacrifice, betrayal and long-buried secrets.