Episode 1

Derek Jacobi reads this prizewinning novel set in the sweltering summer of 1938 when Portugal was under the Fascist shadow of Spain.

Pereira Maintains tells a tale of reluctant heroism. The editor of the arts page of a Lisbon newspaper, Dr Pereira, wants nothing to do with politics. Something of an academic he spends his time immersed in nineteenth century French literature. His closest confidante is a photograph of his late wife. But all this changes when he meets Francesco Monteiro Rossi, a charismatic young man with links to the anti-Franco International Brigade. As Pereira comes to realise the extent of the suppression of free speech in the country he loves, he is drawn into a reckless act of rebellion.

Abridged by Jane Marshall.

Produced by Jane Marshall
A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4.