I stumbled upon this little-known Portuguese classic, and it grabbed me from the first page. It's a slim book, but it packs a serious punch.

The Story

The story is straightforward but gripping. A newspaper editor in a provincial town decides to publish an article exposing the corrupt dealings of the local political boss. Everyone around him warns that it's a dangerous move, that the boss has connections and a violent temper. The editor knows the risks, but his sense of justice pushes him forward. The entire novel builds toward the moment of publication—the 'hour of the crime'—and the inevitable, brutal fallout. It's a tense, clock-ticking narrative about the cost of telling the truth.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me was how modern it feels. The struggle between a free press and powerful, shady figures isn't confined to the 1800s. The editor isn't a flashy hero; he's an ordinary, principled man facing an impossible choice. Miranda writes with a clear, unflinching eye. You feel the weight of the editor's decision and the suffocating atmosphere of a town controlled by fear. It's a powerful, almost timeless, look at courage.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a sharp political edge or tense, psychological dramas. If you liked the moral dilemmas in books like Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' or the tense atmosphere of classic noir, you'll find a lot to appreciate here. It's a quick, impactful read that proves a story doesn't need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting mark.