The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis

Main Ideas

• Exploration of identity and duality through the character of Ricardo Reis, who serves as the alter ego of Fernando Pessoa.
• Reflection of the political and social climate in 1930s Portugal, including the influence of fascism and Salazar's dictatorship.
• Philosophical musings on life and death, time and memory, intertwined with the protagonist's personal experiences.
• Interaction with ghosts and literary characters, highlighting the boundaries between reality and fiction.
• The theme of returning home and searching for meaning in life amidst political instability and personal uncertainty.