Our Lady of the Pillar

"Our Lady of the Pillar" by Eça de Queirós is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Segovia during the late 15th century, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal against the backdrop of Spanish society. The narrative focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Don Ruy de Cardenas, a young knight, and Donna Leonor, the beautiful wife of the wealthy and jealous Lord of Lara. The plot begins with Don Ruy's infatuation with Donna Leonor, who is trapped in a stifling marriage. The jealousy of her husband provokes a complex and dangerous love triangle, ultimately leading to a series of dramatic encounters and deceitful plots. When Don Alonso, the Lord of Lara, discovers Ruy's feelings, he pretends to orchestrate a secret meeting between them while plotting Ruy's demise. Unbeknownst to Ruy, a mysterious hanged man appears as a ghostly protector who aids him in navigating the dangers posed by the Lord of Lara. This supernatural twist heightens the story's tension, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the deadly consequences of love and betrayal. Ultimately, the tale weaves together devotion, divine intervention, and the complexities of human relationships, leading to a conclusion that intertwines themes of redemption and tragedy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

José Maria de Eça de Queiroz or Queirós is generally considered to have been the greatest Portuguese writer in the realist style. Zola considered him to be far greater than Flaubert. In the London Observer, Jonathan Keates ranked him alongside Dickens, Balzac and Tolstoy.