First published in 1901, A Cidade e as Serras (The City and the Mountains) is Eça de Queirós's final novel and a wonderful place to start with this giant of Portuguese literature. It turns a philosophical debate into a charming, character-driven story.

The Story

The tale is told by Zé Fernandes, a down-to-earth Portuguese man visiting his childhood friend, Jacinto, in Paris. Jacinto is the ultimate modern man. He lives in a palace on the Champs-Élysées crammed with every new invention—electric bells, speaking tubes, a prototype telephone. He's rich, cultured, and surrounded by the elite. But he's also miserable. He's suffocating from what he calls "the superiority of Civilization," which has left him bored, cynical, and unable to feel true joy. After a series of farcical disasters involving his own gadgets, Jacinto hits a wall. On a whim, he agrees to return with Zé Fernandes to his ancestral home in the remote Portuguese mountains. The contrast is total: muddy roads instead of boulevards, quiet nature instead of noisy salons, simple food instead of lavish banquets. The story follows his awkward, often hilarious adjustment and explores whether this radical change can cure his modern malaise.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book so enjoyable is that it's never a simple lecture. Eça de Queirós pokes fun at both sides. Jacinto's Parisian life is ridiculous, a clutter of useless machines. But the countryside isn't some perfect paradise either—it's backward, inconvenient, and full of stubborn people. The heart of the book is in the friendship between the idealistic, searching Jacinto and the pragmatic, loyal Zé Fernandes. Their dynamic is genuine and often very funny. You're not just watching a philosophical argument; you're following a person you come to care about on a genuine journey of self-discovery. The writing is lush when describing the serene beauty of the Portuguese landscape, and sharp and satirical when detailing the absurdities of high-society Paris.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by modern life and dreamed of a simpler one. It's for readers who love classic European literature but want something a bit more accessible and humorous than, say, Dostoevsky. If you enjoy stories about personal transformation, witty social commentary, or strong friendships, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a classic that doesn't feel dusty, a thoughtful novel that makes you smile. Give it a try—you might just see a little bit of Jacinto (or Zé Fernandes) in yourself.