Let's be clear from the start: this isn't your typical book. Alocução ao Senhor Presidente da República is a published speech. There are no characters in the fictional sense, and no traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is the act of delivery itself.

The Story

The entire text is the speech given by João Duarte Oliveira to the President of Portugal. Think of it as a formal, public letter spoken out loud. We don't get the background scene-setting in the text itself—we are plunged right into Oliveira's address. He lays out his views, his concerns, or his commendations directly to the head of state. The 'narrative' is the flow of his argument, the points he builds, and the conclusion he reaches. Reading it is like being a fly on the wall in a significant room, listening to one citizen's structured thoughts aimed at the most powerful citizen in the country.

Why You Should Read It

This is for anyone interested in the weight of words. The power here comes from the directness. There's no narrator filtering Oliveira's intent; you get his voice, his rhetoric, and his chosen focus points unfiltered. It's a primary source. You can analyze his language, his tone (is it respectful, critical, pleading?), and infer what he felt was so urgent to say publicly. It’s a piece of political and social history packaged as one person's bold statement. For me, the appeal is in that rawness. It’s not a historian's analysis of an era; it's a document from the era itself, letting you draw your own connections.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers of political philosophy, students of Portuguese history, or anyone who enjoys dissecting rhetoric and persuasive writing. It's also great for people who appreciate short, impactful texts that demand a bit of thought about the context around them. If you're looking for a sweeping novel, this isn't it. But if you want a concise, potent example of a citizen engaging with the state through the formal art of oration, this is a compelling and insightful read. Approach it like an historical document, and you'll find a lot to ponder in its pages.