In its purest essence, “Finding Madeira” is a travel book. But in reality, it is a spiritual experience as you enjoy a man’s love letter to a place that makes his heart sing. If you’ve ever found a place like that, you’ll understand the beauty of that.

About the Book

‘Finding Madeira’ is an enchanting book about adventure and love at first sight. A wonderful collection of photographs with travel stories will bring readers along for an unforgettable experience. Feel the nature. Witness the magnificent cityscapes. Taste and observe the most iconic aspects of the island’s rich culture. All told through the perspective of a Portuguese-Canadian.

Through this expedition, Devin Meireles shares the remarkable beauty of Madeira—That’s where he found unconditional love unlike anywhere else—That’s where a heritage can be discovered. This charming book will resonate with readers and travel lovers to provide inspiration for your next trip abroad!

Madeira is where everyone belongs.

My Thoughts

When I was eighteen years old, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in London. This was a huge opportunity for me. I was a first-generation college student from a blue-collar background. My grandparents grew up without electricity. And yes, your math is right. Electricity existed, they just couldn’t afford it. But a lifetime of reading and PBS shows had made me a proper Anglophile.

So, I understand the author’s descriptions in this book of his love for the island country of Madeira, possibly better than most. In fact, I connected with this book in a nearly spiritual way. It was so beautiful to finally read something and see that someone else had experienced those feelings I had. No one else I’ve ever talked to seemed to feel such a connection with a place that wasn’t their hometown. People’s love of New Orleans sometimes comes close, but not quite.

This gorgeous book – both in pictures and in writing – is something I know I’ll visit again and again. I’ve unfortunately not had the chance to travel much since that trip at eighteen. And it remains one of the best times of my life. But this book inspired so much in my heart. I hope to bring my daughter to England one day, to show her where her Momma once left a chunk of her heart. And this book reminded me that it’s not impossible and there is still time.

The author calls Madeira his “home away from home” and I feel that so much. I loved this book so much. I’m grateful he shared this personal, touching, heartfelt journey with the world. He showed a great deal of vulnerability, openness, and beauty within the pages. Many people aren’t willing to do that, and it takes a brave person.

The writing style was unique. Switching back from prose to poetry and back again, kept me on my toes. It felt in some places like it could have used a bit more editing, but I still loved it. It’s just something to know if that is something that bothers you when reading.

I’m so grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour. I look forward to more work by this author. I think we will continue to see wonderful things from him.

Who’s It For

If you love to travel, you will love this book. It’s a great guide to Madeira. And if you’ve ever loved a place so much it hurt, this is a great book to commiserate with someone else who has experienced that feeling.

Question of the Day

Have you ever loved a place other than your hometown? Where was it?

Question for the Author

Do you have other books planned?

About the Author

Devin Meireles is a creative nonfiction writer in his thirties. He was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, where growing up around the Portuguese diaspora had a profound effect on him. Now he volunteers to carry on the culture and give back to the community.

In 2022, he published a book to preserve his rich Portuguese ancestry—that was a narrative nonfiction novel about his grandparents’ immigration to Canada. He has a since written articles that have been featured in literary journals, health magazines, and cultural newspapers.

Apart from creative writing, he enjoys adding to a collection of tattoos, banknotes and travel stamps. He lives near Lake Ontario with his wife and dog.

Join Devin’s Reader Group to receive new articles, visual content and special offers at lusoloonie.ca.

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