The Mandarin is a masterpiece in short fiction, it looks at what is called MetaEthics, the what "if" and it does so brilliantly - the lush descriptive passages really immerse one's attention, the detail and wit is exceptional though subtle enough to be enjoyed sparingly without expectation. Eca fabricates this story as if writing with embroidery, I read each line like listening to a well devised tune.

The other stories didn't enfold my attention so much, José Matias was pretty powerful however The Relic sort of lost me a bit, but as an extract perhaps that is why. That is, I wasn't as engaged, the perceptions lacked idiosyncrasy, and crafted as it is, I only went along on the journey to accompany the narrative in its completion. José Matias had some extremely poignant moments, the lure of self-serving sacrifice to idealistic morals and spiritual integrity.

previously I had only read The illustrious House of Ramires, I found that novel typically Portuguese in its dense willowing storytelling, however, I should go back and read it again. Eca with The Mandarin has sealed a certain positive strength in unpacking the human soul.