Jaime de Magalhães Lima's Rogações de Eremita is a unique piece of Portuguese literature from the turn of the 20th century. It sits somewhere between a philosophical diary, a nature journal, and a collection of spiritual essays.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Instead, we follow the thoughts of a narrator—a stand-in for the author—who has chosen to live as a hermit. He's left behind the hustle of cities and modern life to seek peace in the rural Portuguese landscape. The 'story' is his daily life: observing the seasons, tending a garden, reading classic texts, and, most of all, thinking. He grapples with his Catholic faith, questions the rush of industrial progress, and seeks a purer connection with God through simplicity and nature. The narrative is a series of these meditations, his 'supplications' or prayers for understanding.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a balm for an overloaded mind. In our world of constant notifications, there's something profoundly calming about following someone who deliberately chose to slow down. Lima's prose is beautiful and reflective. You can feel the dew on the grass and the quiet of the early morning in his writing. It's not a fast read; it's a book to sip slowly, maybe just a few pages at a time. It makes you look up from the page and appreciate the quiet moment you're in.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for contemplative readers, nature lovers, or anyone interested in the history of spiritual thought. If you enjoy writers like Henry David Thoreau or the quiet introspection of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, you'll find a kindred spirit here. Fair warning: if you need a driving plot and lots of action, you might find it slow. But if you're in the mood for a thoughtful, atmospheric escape into a quieter world, this hermit's voice is surprisingly good company.