Plot summary, “The High Mountains of Portugal” by Yann Martel in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"The High Mountains of Portugal" is a novel written by Canadian author Yann Martel. The book was published in 2016 and is divided into three interconnected stories set in different time periods but all centered around the high mountains of Portugal.
The novel's three stories are as follows:
"Homeless" (1904): The first story follows a Portuguese pathologist named Tomas who becomes obsessed with the idea of performing an autopsy on a chimpanzee in the small town of Tuizelo. He embarks on a journey to find a unique crucifix, which he believes holds the key to understanding the mysteries of life and death.
"Homeward" (1938): The second story follows Eusebio Lozora, a Canadian diplomat who returns to Portugal after a long absence. He is joined by a companion, a remarkable automaton named Odo, as they embark on a journey to the high mountains of Portugal in search of something meaningful and spiritual.
"Home" (1981): The final story is set in the 1980s and follows Peter Tovy, a Canadian politician who has recently lost his wife and son in a tragic accident. He discovers a diary written by his uncle, Eusebio Lozora, which details the adventures of the previous stories. This discovery prompts Peter to embark on his own journey to Portugal and the high mountains to seek answers and meaning in his life.
Throughout the novel, Yann Martel explores themes of faith, loss, grief, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. The book weaves together elements of magical realism and philosophy as it explores the characters' quests for understanding and spiritual fulfillment.
Yann Martel is best known for his acclaimed novel "Life of Pi," which won the Man Booker Prize in 2002. "The High Mountains of Portugal" continues Martel's exploration of philosophical and spiritual themes while presenting a unique and interconnected narrative structure. It has received mixed reviews, with some readers appreciating its thought-provoking content and others finding its storytelling style challenging. Nevertheless, it offers readers a thought-provoking and meditative exploration of the human condition and the mysteries of existence.