First published in 1961, Sophia de Mello Breyner's “The Girl From the Sea” continues to be one of the most read and appreciated tales for several generations, all over the world.

With the beach as a backdrop, one of the author's favorite scenarios, this tale for children reveals a journey of friendship between a boy and the sea girl. Each one lives in his own world, with their dreams–the boy on land, and the girl on the sea – but the curiosity of both allows them to share these differences: the girl gets to know what love, longing, joy, and other “things of the earth” are, while the boy explores the bottom of the sea and experiences a new way of living.

In the Josefinas' Book Club, we could not fail to highlight the sensitivity of Sophia's writing, her approach towards feelings and, above all, the respect she shows for differences. Sophia de Mello Breyner was –and still is– one of the most cherished Portuguese authors, and this work shows why.

If we should go back to the places where we were once happy, then this story for kids and adults is undoubtedly one to read and reread, over and over again.

Will you join us in this reading?

Josefinas' Book Club is on Instagram (share your photos and use #JosefinasBookClub), but also on WhatsApp (HERE) and on Telegram (HERE).