In this episode of Silicon Podcast, narrated by Emma Taylor, we delve into the poignant world of Florbela Espanca, a remarkable early 20th-century Portuguese poet. Though she lived a century before the digital age, her intensely personal verses resonate with a strikingly modern understanding of loneliness and longing. Florbela's life, marked by societal constraints, personal tragedies, and an unyielding search for love, fuelled a body of work that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

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From Azinhaga to Stockholm: The Extraordinary Journey of José Saramago, an immersive narrative that transports you from the dusty streets of rural Portugal to the hallowed halls of the Nobel ceremony in Stockholm. Join host Emma Taylor as she unravels the remarkable life of José Saramago—a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most influential literary voices. This episode explores Saramago’s early days in Azinhaga, his struggle against censorship and dictatorship, and the profound transformation that led to his groundbreaking works and eventual Nobel Prize. Tune in for a story of resilience, radical thought, and the enduring power of the written word.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesilicon.substack.com

In today’s episode, narrated by Emma Taylor, we dive deep into the brilliant—and surprisingly modern—world of Machado de Assis, Brazil’s greatest literary figure. From ironic narrators to morally complex characters, Machado’s groundbreaking realism reshaped literature, questioning human nature, morality, and society itself. Join us as we explore how a writer from 19th-century Rio continues to speak powerfully to our own time, offering profound insights into who we really are.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesilicon.substack.com