Ladislau Patrício's 'Aquela Família' is a charming, episodic portrait of family life in early 20th-century provincial Portugal. Don't expect a single, driving plot. Instead, think of it as a series of linked character studies and humorous vignettes. We meet a cast of uncles, aunts, cousins, and neighbors, each with their own distinct quirks and fixations. Through short chapters, Patrício shows us their daily routines, their minor triumphs, their stubborn habits, and the gentle friction that comes from living in a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone else's business.

The Story

The book doesn't follow a traditional narrative. It's built on observation. One chapter might focus on the uncle who is a walking encyclopedia of useless local trivia. Another might detail the elaborate, years-long feud between two sisters over a perceived slight at a long-ago wedding. We see the family through holidays, gossip at the town square, and the subtle class anxieties that simmer just below the surface of polite conversation. The 'conflict' is the quiet, ongoing drama of personalities rubbing against each other, of traditions bumping up against small desires for change. It's the story of any family, anywhere, just dressed in the specific manners and settings of its time and place.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its warmth and its sharp eye. Patrício writes with affection but doesn't shy away from poking fun. His characters aren't heroes or villains; they're perfectly, hilariously human. You'll recognize them. The know-it-all, the busybody, the dreamer, the grump—they're all here. Reading it feels like listening to stories about your own eccentric relatives. Beyond the laughs, there's a real sense of place. You can almost smell the dust in the square and hear the chatter from the café. It captures a world that has largely vanished, but the family dynamics it portrays are timeless.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories, fans of gentle social satire, or readers curious about slice-of-life portraits from a different era. If you like authors who find the extraordinary in the ordinary, you'll connect with Patrício's work. It's also a great, accessible entry point into Portuguese literature. Just don't go in looking for high-stakes action. The drama here is in a raised eyebrow over dinner, a carefully chosen word of gossip, and the love that persists despite all the little annoyances. A quiet, insightful, and genuinely funny little gem.