Summary of Mariana
The novel “Mariana” retells the true 17th-century love story of Mariana Alcoforado, a nun in the Convent of Beja, and Noël Bouton, a French officer. When Mariana is abandoned by her French lover, she writes him five passionate love letters that gained widespread fame across Europe, immortalising her as a romantic icon.
Reasons to read Mariana
American author Katherine Vaz reimagines this historical tale in contemporary prose, filling some gaps in the story, and transforming it into more than a simple romance. The novel is set against the backdrop of Portugal’s fight for independence from Spain and provides a vivid portrayal of life in 17th-century Portugal.
Setting: Beja (Portugal)
Book set in Portugal: Beja (the convent of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçã is now the museum ‘Rainha Dona Leonor’)
Original title: Mariana
Year of publication: 1997
Nr of pages: 314
