The Emperor of Portugallia by Selma Lagerlöf is a heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and redemption. The novel follows the life of Jan, a simple man who becomes consumed by grief after his daughter leaves him to marry. Jan's descent into madness and obsession is beautifully portrayed by Lagerlöf, who skillfully weaves together themes of family, loyalty, and faith.

The characters in the novel are richly developed and each one brings a unique perspective to the story. Jan's unwavering love for his daughter is both touching and tragic, while his friend Börje provides a much-needed voice of reason and compassion. The Emperor of Portugallia is not only a moving portrait of a man's search for meaning and purpose, but also a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

Lagerlöf's prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to the rural landscape of Sweden and immersing them in Jan's world. The poignant themes of forgiveness and redemption make this novel a truly unforgettable read. Overall, The Emperor of Portugallia is a timeless masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Book Description:
Selma Lagerlöf was born in Vaermland, Sweden, in 1858 and enjoyed a long and very successful career as a writer, receiving the Nobel-Price in Literature in 1909. She died in Vaermland in 1940. The Emperor of Portugallia was first Published 1914 in Sweden, and 1916 in English, translated by Velma Swanston Howard. The Story i set in Vaermland around 1860 or 1870. In the centre is Jan of Ruffluck Croft. He loves his daughter more than anything, but when she moves to Stockholm and never sends a word home about her doings, he sinks into a dream-world where she is a noble Empress of Portugallia. And he believes himself to be Emperor too. His whole world and all his thoughts are dominated by the thoughts of her return and what will happen then. In the role of Emperor in the poor forest country where he lives he can question the social hierarchies around him, and dressed in his Royal regalia he sits in the frontbench in the Church, and he takes the place of honour at Parties etc. After 15 years his daughter returns home and is shocked to see what a mad clown her father has become and .... (