A Journey into Memory and Migration
In the modest Cafè au Lait, the only pastry shop in Porto Brandão, Almada, a quiet September afternoon sets the scene for a profound exploration. Journalist and writer Ana da Cunha discusses her latest book, Sodade (Editora Sibila), which brings the overlooked history of this enclave to the forefront of Portuguese literature. Inspired by a crossmedia series that won the 2023 OBCIBER Cyberjournalism Awards, the book delves into the post-25th of April immigration from Cape Verde to Lisbon, with the former Asilo 28 de Maio as its central backdrop.
Ana da Cunha, journalist and author of Sodade, in Porto Brandão. Photo: Rita Ansone
The Heart of the Story
Sodade is narrated by Zé, a former resident of the Asilo 28 de Maio, who embarks on a quest after his mother's dying words spark a search for a lost childhood friend, Carlitos. This labyrinthine building, once a quarantine station, convent, orphanage, and finally a home for over 600 people—mostly Cape Verdean immigrants—serves as a powerful symbol of community resilience and historical neglect. The novel blends fiction with real events, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the enduring impact of migration.
"The writer is a bit of an actor, and with my theater experience, I had no problem putting myself in someone else's shoes. I don't believe in the concept of 'place-of-speech,' but if it were written by someone who lived in the asylum, it would be a different book. This is my version," explains Ana da Cunha.
Preserving a Fading Legacy
Ana's meticulous research included consultations with Vera Duarte Pina, a Cape Verdean poet and judge, to ensure cultural authenticity. The book not only recounts personal stories but also addresses the potential loss of memory as Porto Brandão faces redevelopment, including plans to convert the asylum into a hotel.
The Lazareto or Asilo 28 de Maio. Photo: Inês Leote
Event and Impact
The book will be presented on September 4th at 6:30 PM in Lisbon's Casa do Comum, featuring a conversation with the author and editor Inês Pedrosa. Sodade stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging past and present, offering a poignant look at a chapter of Lisbon's history that deserves remembrance.
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