The book launch of ‘Touching Lives: Remarkable People and Places in the Western Algarve” went really well at Lagos Cultural Centre on Tuesday 10th November. There were lots of people including Portuguese, English, Scandinavians, French, Dutch and Romanians - a veritable cross cultural event.
Many of the people I had written about were there, with market people offering regional delicacies and organic wine from a local vineyard Monte da Casteleja.
The Camara of Lagos sponsored the event and as the President couldn’t be there (she had to open a public space in Torres Vedras that night), Councillor Maria Fernanda Afonso represented the municipality.
Lots of help from the Cultural Centre staff and technicians who assisted with microphones and projectors. I made a speech in Portuguese and English, and showed a short film I had made about some of the people I’d interviewed. It was a lovely atmosphere with guest mingling throughout the evening.
I sold over 60 books and orders keep coming in. There will be another book signing at the Oasis Bar on the Lagos marina, date to be confirmed.
Books can be bought in the English bookshop, The Owl Story Bookshop and Livraria Formosa on the Avenida in Lagos. (€12.99), on Amazon.co.uk (£14.99) and Kindle.
I am also happy to send signed copies (€12.99 plus postage) if people send me a message on lena.strang@gmail.com.
There will be a Portuguese version coming out in the near future!
