Published in 1915, A Mulher Portugueza (The Portuguese Woman) is Eduardo Shwalbach Lucci's detailed study of women's lives in early 20th-century Portugal. It's a work of social observation, not fiction.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot. Instead, think of it as a guided tour through the world of Portuguese women at the time. Lucci acts as your observer, explaining their roles. He covers their education (or often, the lack thereof), their duties within the home and family, their position in the Catholic Church, and their slow entry into the workforce. He paints a picture of a society where tradition holds strong, but the winds of modern change are beginning to stir. The 'story' is the quiet tension between these old ways and new possibilities.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a direct line to the past. Reading it feels like listening to a very well-informed, if somewhat old-fashioned, relative explain how things were. You get the clear rules of the era, but also glimpses of the human reality behind them. It’s sobering to see how limited opportunities were, but also intriguing to spot the early signs of shift. The value is in its specificity—this isn't a broad European history, but a close look at one country's social fabric.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs, sociologists, or anyone with Portuguese heritage who wants to understand their roots better. It’s also great for readers who enjoy primary sources and getting history straight from the period, without modern filters. Just go in knowing it's a social study, not a page-turning drama. It’s a thoughtful, informative piece of time travel.