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Discovering a new language through reading is a magical experience. That’s particularly true with Portuguese, which sounds stunning and is linked to a fascinating culture.
If you could use some help selecting your next read, check out the list of fantastic Portuguese novels and storybooks I’ve compiled.
I’ve included short stories for learners who are just taking up Portuguese, tales by beloved authors for intermediate-level speakers, as well as classic Portuguese novels for those of you who want a little nudge to perfect your communication skills.
How to read in Portuguese
If you’re looking to use reading to learn Portuguese, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and more effective.
To begin with, you should kick off with material that’s appropriate for your level. If you’re an absolute beginner, avoid reading a novel in the language — you might easily get overwhelmed. Instead, search for simpler texts like short stories in Portuguese children’s books, graded readers, or news articles.
Next, don’t be afraid to use a dictionary! When you come across words or phrases you don’t know, look them up and write them down in a notebook.
This is called active (as opposed to passive) reading and will help you build your vocabulary over time. And if you’re reading on a digital device, consider using a Portuguese translator app or plugin for extra aid.
Another tip is to focus on reading for comprehension rather than trying to understand every single word. When you’re first approaching the language, it’s okay to miss some things.
The more you read, the more you’ll pick up on patterns and common vocabulary. Plus, by focusing on the big picture, you’ll be able to enjoy the story or article more.
Finally, try to read regularly and consistently. Even only 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your language skills. As you get more comfortable with reading, you can challenge yourself with more complex pieces.
Portuguese storybooks for beginners
1. Portuguese Short Stories for Beginners by Lingo Mastery
This is an excellent resource for learners who are making their first contact with Brazilian Portuguese and want to nail their initial breakthroughs. It features 20 engaging short stories, each with a distinct plot and well-developed characters.
The stories are written in plain and clear Portuguese, allowing readers to dive into the language while improving their comprehension skills.
On top of that, the book includes a summary of the stories in English, a glossary, and comprehension questions to test your understanding. Better yet, it will introduce you to Brazilian culture and customs along the way.
2. Portuguese Short Stories by Daily Language Learning
Portuguese Short Stories contains 11 simple and captivating stories written in European Portuguese, specifically targeting beginners.
The tales focus on vocabulary and grammar relevant to everyday life, making it easy to learn the language in context. At the end of every chapter, you’ll find a helpful summary with the keywords used in the lesson.
Portuguese Short Stories is also available in audiobook form. It was developed by Daily Language Learning, which releases top-notch learning material in several world languages.
3. Antologia de Histórias by Maria Clara Machado
Antologia de Histórias is a collection of short stories for children by Brazilian author Maria Clara Machado. It features a variety of stories, including fairy tales, fables, and original stories, each with its unique characters and plots.
The stories often incorporate elements of Brazilian folklore and culture, as well as universal values such as friendship, honesty, and kindness.
Antologia de Histórias has inspired generations of readers and writers alike through its riveting and ingenious tales.
4. A Fada Oriana by Sophia Mello Breyner de Andresen
- Hardcover Book
This children’s book by Portuguese author Sophia Mello Breyner Andresen tells the story of Oriana, a fairy who is responsible for protecting the forest and its dwellers. But she becomes distracted and starts disobeying the rules, putting the forest in danger.
Through Oriana’s journey to regain her powers and restore order to the forest, the book’s lyrical language, imaginative setting, and universal themes have made it a beloved classic of Portuguese children’s literature and a staple in schools and libraries.
5. Uma Professora Muito Maluquinha by Ziraldo
- Amazon Kindle Edition
Ziraldo, one of Brazil’s most popular cartoonists, first published Uma Professora Muito Maluquinha in 1981. This beautifully illustrated book, which I reread countless times, tells the story of a young schoolteacher named Carolina.
Carolina uses unconventional methods to teach her students, including music, games, and humor. Through her adventures and interactions with her students, the book promotes a positive and progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of creativity and empathy.
Other iconic stories by Ziraldo are Flicts and O Menino Maluquinho, which has spawned a comics series, a TV cartoon, and two live actions.
Portuguese novels for intermediate learners
6. Canção para Ninar Menino Grande by Conceição Evaristo
- CANÇÃO PARA NINAR MENINO GRANDE
- By: Pallas
Considered one of the most important contemporary writers in Brazil, Conceição Evaristo is famed for her use of Afro-Brazilian language and culture in her writing.
She has penned a handful of books, such as the novel Ponciá Vicêncio and the collection of short stories Olhos d’Água.
In her most recent book, released last year, Evaristo creates a both painful and delightful mosaic about living and loving as a black man in Brazil through the story of Fio Jasmim, the novel’s main character.
7. Afirma Pereira by Antonio Tabucchi
This is the only novel on our list that wasn’t written by a native Portuguese speaker. Antonio Tabucchi was actually born in Pisa but lived in Portugal for many years and went on to become the most prestigious expert in Fernando Pessoa’s work.
Afirma Pereira, or Pereira Maintains in English, is a resounding reflection on the human condition. The story is set in 1930s Lisbon, where a middle-aged journalist and editor named Pereira is struggling to come to terms with the political climate of the time.
8. A Hora da Estrela by Clarice Lispector
- Used Book in Good Condition
A Hora da Estrela, translated as The Hour of the Star, is a novella by Brazilian author Clarice Lispector, published in 1977, shortly before her death. It revolves around Macabéa, a young woman from the Northeast of Brazil who moves to Rio de Janeiro in search of a better life.
Lispector’s experimental narrative style, which spans frequent interruptions and metafictional elements, adds to the book’s impact and complexity and turns it into an amazing reading for Portuguese learners in need of an extra push.
9. Gabriela, Cravo e Canela by Jorge Amado
One of the best-selling Brazilian novels of all time, Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon was penned by Jorge Amado and released in 1958.
Set in the 1920s in the fictional town of Ilhéus, it tells the story of Nacib Saad, a Syrian-Lebanese immigrant who owns a bar and falls in love with Gabriela, a gorgeous and sensual migrant worker.
The vivid descriptions of the lush landscape and vibrant culture of the State of Bahia, as well as the portrayal of strong and deep female characters, have made this novel an enduring piece of Brazilian literature (apart from a personal favorite of mine).
10. Quarto de Despejo: Diário de Uma Favelada by Carolina Maria de Jesus
Quarto de Despejo is a diary by Brazilian author Carolina Maria de Jesus, who chronicles her life as a black woman and single mother living in a Sao Paulo slum in the late 50s and offers a powerful critique of Brazilian society.
The book became a bestseller in Brazil and was translated into several languages, making Carolina one of the earliest black women writers to gain international recognition. Quarto de Despejo is widely seen as a groundbreaking work of social commentary.
Brazilian and Portuguese literature for advanced speakers
11. A Máquina de Fazer Espanhóis by Valter Hugo Mãe
- Well-written and easy read
This novel by Portuguese author Valter Hugo Mãe, published in 2010, is about an old man, António Jorge da Silva, who resides in a nursing home.
António reminisces about his life and relationships, including his difficult relationship with his father, his love for his wife, and his friendship with a Spanish immigrant.
A Máquina de Fazer Espanhóis discusses memory, identity, love, and loss, while also reflecting on Portugal’s historical and cultural ties to Spain. It’s been praised for its poetic language, emotional depth, and humanistic message.
12. Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis
Machado de Assis is regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest writers and a genius of psychological realism. He released Dom Casmurro, one of the absolute masterpieces of Brazilian literature, in 1899.
The novel is narrated by Bento Santiago, who recounts his life story and his suspicion that his wife, Capitu, had an affair with his best friend, Escobar.
Dom Casmurro satirizes 19th-century Brazilian society and its values as it meanders through themes of memory, jealousy, and love.
13. Livro do Desassossego by Bernardo Soares aka Fernando Pessoa
- Amazon Kindle Edition
Livro do Desassossego (literally The Book of Disquiet) is a collection of writings by Fernando Pessoa, one of the most famous Portuguese authors ever.
Published posthumously in 1982, the book is narrated by various characters like Bernardo Soares, one of Pessoa’s multiple heteronyms (i.e. literary personas).
It explores issues such as identity, loneliness, and creativity, and is notable for its existentialist and introspective tone. The book’s intense lyricism, combined with its fragmented structure, makes it a unique and influential work of modern literature.
14. Grande Sertão: Veredas by Guimarães Rosa
Grande Sertão: Veredas, translated as The Devil to Pay in the Backlands, is a novel by Brazilian writer João Guimarães Rosa.
Set in the remote Brazilian countryside, known as the sertão, it is narrated by Riobaldo, a hired gunman who recounts his experiences with love, friendship, violence, and the supernatural.
The novel is notorious for its intricate and poetic language, which blends Portuguese with regional dialects and neologisms, and thanks to this it’s often paralleled to James Joyce’s Ulysses.
Set Grande Sertão: Veredas aside for whenever you need the ultimate challenge in your Portuguese learning process; even native speakers have a hard time reading through it.
15. Terra Sonâmbula by Mia Couto
Written by Mozambican author Mia Couto, Terra Sonâmbula (i.e. Sleepwalking Land) is set during the Mozambican Civil War. It tells the story of an old man and a boy who embark on a journey through a war-torn countryside in search of a new home.
Along the way, they come upon a cast of colorful characters, like a storyteller who weaves magical tales that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Terra Sonâmbula is widely regarded as one of Couto’s most acclaimed works and a landmark of African literature.
Final thoughts
You shouldn’t shy away from reading books to learn Portuguese, as they’re a precious tool for expanding your vocabulary in an organic and almost effortless way.
What’s more, if chosen carefully, Portuguese novels and storybooks can be a lot of fun and offer a deeper look into the culture of the Portuguese-speaking world too.
Looking for more tools that can help you in your journey? Bookmark this extensive list of Portuguese learning apps, online courses, books, podcasts, and other resources!
Portuguese novels and storybooks for language learners – Pin it!
