Blue Portugal and Other Essays

Despite the term “essays” in the title, Blue Portugal and Other Essays is anything but a traditional collection of essays. Investigating themes of family histories, the natural world, art, music, aging, and more, Kishkan’s voice walks the line between poetry and narrative—though the tone remains accessible even for readers unfamiliar with lyrical writing. Scattered black-and-white photos, some from secondary sources such as archives, provide a visual component to the interrelated stories. Each chapter can be enjoyed separately, so excerpts could easily be used in English lessons to showcase this writing style. While most of the vocabulary is simple enough for a wide audience, the focus on the human experience may appeal to more mature readers. The inclusion of elements of Alberta history, landscapes, and immigration makes this book a possible novel study for either English or social studies lessons.