Letters of a Portuguese Nun - Mariana Alcoforado Gabriel-Joseph de Lavergne

The Letters of a Portuguese Nun, a groundbreaking work first published in 1669, consists of five passionate letters that captivated readers and set a precedent for sentimentalism in European literature. Attributed to Mariana Alcoforado, a Portuguese nun, these letters explore the depths of love and longing, resonating with themes of desire and emotional expression that continue to be relevant today. The book's impact was so profound that "portugaise" became synonymous with passionate love letters in the 17th century, highlighting its enduring influence on the epistolary and sentimental novel genres.