The History of the Siege of Lisbon

Interesting Facts

• The book explores the theme of rewriting history through a fictional scenario where a proofreader decides to change the text of a historical chronicle by adding the word «not», completely altering the meaning of the described events.
• The protagonist, Raimundo Silva, works as a proofreader at a publishing house and inadvertently makes a change to a historical text, leading to a chain of events that force him to reassess his life and views.
• The novel combines elements of historical fiction and philosophical reflection on the nature of truth and history, exploring how the interpretation of events can alter the perception of the past.
• The book raises questions about the role and responsibility of writers and editors in shaping historical consciousness and how subjectivity can influence the perception of facts.
• The plot unfolds on two levels: in the present, where Raimundo lives and works, and in the medieval period during the Siege of Lisbon, allowing the author to explore parallels between past and present.