Portugal: Europe's hidden gem topic of WCPL adult summer reading program

Lindsay Owens, Washington Times-Herald, Ind.
Updated ·5 min read

Apr. 17—Each year, Washington Carnegie Public Library Adult Services and Outreach Coordinator Rick Chambon takes those enrolled in the adult summer reading program on a trip around the world without ever having to leave Washington.

Over the last several years, participants have experienced Greece, England, the French countryside and many other destinations through carefully selected readings, author talks, book discussions, programs and more.

This time, Portugal will be the focus of the annual reading program.

"We have three books this time," said Chambon, adding events for the reading program will begin on June 5. "Chris Pavone's "Two Nights in Lisbon," Mara Timon's "City of Spies," and "Queen of the Sea" by Barry Hatton."

"Two Nights in Lisbon" will take readers on an adventure with Ariel Pryce who wakes up in Lisbon to find her new and much younger husband is missing.

Timon's "City of Spies" follows SOE agent Elsabeth de Mornay as she flees Paris to escape the Gastapo. She makes her way to neutral Lisbon where the elite in Europe rub shoulders with diplomats, businessmen, smugglers and spies. There, she gets a new identity and new orders.

She becomes Solange Verin and is tasked with infiltrating a German espionage ring targeting allied ships before more British servicemen are killed.

"Queen of the Sea" dives into Lisbon's charm and vibrant 2,000 year-old history. The city was devastated by an earthquake in 1755, followed by a tsunami, and six-day inferno that turned sand to glass.

"This time, we will have a two-week checkout for selected readings," said Chambon, who said those wanting to register for the program can do so by calling 812-254-4586 or emailing rickc@washingtonpubliclibrary.org. "Another change for this year is that to receive an invitation to the ending party, you must attend six qualifying programs."

The programs get started on June 5 at 6:30 p.m. with a book discussion on "Two Nights in Lisbon." The following day, also at 6:30 p.m., Chambon will give a tour of the food, arts, culture and history of Lisbon. Since chef Jeff Gumbel will be creating Portugal inspired treats, registration for this program is required.

June 9 will offering a showing of the film "The Great Earthquake of 1775 — Lisbon's Nightmare," beginning at 2:30 p.m. "City of Spies" will be discussed at 6:30 p.m. on June 12.

At 6:30 p.m. on June 13, Dr. James Longo will discuss is personal experience living and teaching in Brazil as well as as the complex history between Brazil and Portugal.

"Dr. Longo is the retired chair of the education department at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania. He's also the author of "Hitler and the Habsburgs" which was discussed in the fall of 2020," said Chambon, who said registration is requested by not required for this program.

Coffee and a book discussion will be held at 10 a.m. on June 16 for "Two Nights in Lisbon" and on June 19 at 6:30 p.m., a discussion on "Queen of the Sea" will take place.

Belem and Ajuda will be the focus on June 20 when Chambon takes participants on an adventure in the two suburbs of Lisbon.

"During the "Age of Discovery," Belam was the departure point for the Portuguese explorers' voyages to Africa,India and South America," said Chambon. "During the 16th century, Portugal led the way in the science of ship building and exploration."

Belam, he said, is also home to the National Coach Museum that houses the finest and largest collection of carriages in the world. Ajuda, is where Braganza monarchs decided to rebuild their residences after the 1755 earthquake. Since Gumbel will be making desserts for the program, registration will be required.

June 22, a matinee of "A Year in Port" will be shown at 2:30 p.m.

Pavone will be available at 6:30 p.m. on June 26 for a question and answer session via Zoom.

The following day at 7 p.m., there will be a Portuguese Wine and Cheese Tasting.

"This program is open to those age 21 and older," said Chambon. "It's also limited to 40 participants and registration is required.

"Night Train to Lisbon" will be shown at 2:30 p.m. on June 29 and a coffee and book discussion will be on June 30 at 10 a.m. for "City of Spies."

"Lisbon:Why we live in Portugal" will be sown on July 5 at 2:30 p.m., and July 6 will bring "Wild Portugal" onto the library screen at the same time.

Timon will host a question and answer session via Zoom on July 10 at 2:30 p.m.

"On July 11, at 6:30 p.m., we will be exploring Sintra," said Chambon, adding the hills, forests, mists and fantastic palaces in the area make it a dream destination for many.

Registration for that program is required and Gumbel will be again preparing desserts.

The final program will be the showing of "Cork: Where does it come from?" at 2:30 p.m. on July 14.

For those who read at least one of the books, attend six qualifying programs and have their passports stamped, invitations to the afternoon tea will be awarded. The tea is slated for July 28 at 1 p,m.