by Barbara Miller
Shaland’s Porto and Northern Portugal is the third exquisite book, in Irene Shaland’s five book series on her travels in Portugal. It is a deep delve into the Jewish history of the area but also brings to life generally the history, geography, art, culture, and grandeur of the area. It is a state-of-the-art travel guide but offers so much more than what would normally be seen or understood by a traveller because of the expert research of the author who is Jewish herself and has an eye for what would escape the attention of most travellers.
The book is also superbly illustrated with a large number of colour photographs by Alex Shaland, Irene’s husband, and children’s author, who shares her travel adventures with her.
Even if you are not a globe trotter, this book has much to offer for those wanting to understand the history of the Jewish diaspora – the persecution, the forced conversions, the Inquisitions, and the expulsions. There is also a visit to a Holocaust Museum. The book also covers the times Jewish culture thrived, and the history of Kings, Christianity, the Knights Templar, and Islam in the land.
No wonder Irene is a sought-after speaker and educator on Jewish history, art, culture and heritage and her travel articles are eagerly awaited.
If you are planning to visit Portugal, take this book with you and keep it in your hand as you explore Portugal as it gives you a practical guide of what to do day to day in your travel. Better still, get it before you go and plan your travels.
Paperback edition: https://amzn.to/45jzRog
eBook edition: https://amzn.to/3FXNrmX
Barbara Miller, author of over 12 books including If I Survive: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 100-year-old Lena Goldstein’s Miracle Story.
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