SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2020. A stunning novel about a teenage girl and her mother, as they grapple with serious illness, first love, family secrets and tragic loss.
Portugal's poor military performance in the First World War, notably in Africa, restricted Afonso Costa's (1871-1937) ability to secure his diplomatic aims which, in any case, were highly unrealistic. Nevertheless, his loyal press in Portugal described him as the leader of the small nations', and reported his every statement as a major triumph.
