The Vampires of Alfama by Pierre Kast
"The Vampires of Alfama" is a narrative set in the historical and culturally rich district of Alfama in Lisbon, Portugal, during a time of political oppression. The story follows João, a liberal cardinal who serves as the prime minister and is devoted to progressive causes, navigating a treacherous political landscape dominated by his ruthless rival, the Marquis da Silva. The narrative intertwines themes of love, power, and survival as João becomes entangled with Count Kotor, a vampire seeking the secret of immortality, and his family, who find refuge among the diverse and rebellious community of Alfama.
The district serves as a gathering place for various societal outcasts, including scientists, magicians, and revolutionaries, who unite against tyranny. As Kotor aids the local residents in their struggles, he becomes a target for the Inquisition and the secret police. Tensions escalate when the Marquis da Silva launches a violent campaign to eliminate his adversaries, leading to devastating consequences for both vampires and their human allies. Amidst the chaos, themes of sacrifice and love emerge, particularly through João's relationship with Barbara, Kotor's daughter, and Alexandra's connection with Laurent, Kotor's son. Ultimately, the story culminates in a tragic confrontation that seals the fates of many involved. This blend of fantasy and political intrigue offers a compelling exploration of resilience in the face of oppression.
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The Vampires of Alfama
First published:Les Vampires de l’Alfama (1975; English translation, 1976)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—cautionary
Time of work: The mid-eighteenth century
Locale: Lisbon, Portugal
The Plot
João, duke of Queluz, is the prime minister of Portugal. Although he is a cardinal, he is a freethinker, liberal in political and sexual matters alike. His endeavors are dedicated to the cause of progress, but in a world in which tyranny is the norm and the church attempts to exterminate all dissent, his efforts must be clandestine. His principal rival in the struggle for political power is the chief of police, the brutal Marquis da Silva. Da Silva also lusts after Alexandra, João’s niece.
In the Alfama—the district of Lisbon that plays host to social dissidents of all kinds—scientists mingle with magicians, healers with heretics, and thieves with revolutionaries. A scholarly sorceress named Clara offers shelter to a newly arrived family of refugees headed by Count Kotor. Kotor is searching for the secret of immortality, having already attained a problematic kind of longevity by virtue of being a vampire. Since his resurrection to undeath 285 years ago, he has been hunted by the Inquisition, which regards him as an instrument of Satan.
The poor people of the Alfama are ready and able to recognize Kotor as an ally. Many bring their sick to him so that he can help them cheat death. They gladly offer their blood in return. Rumors of his activities attract the attention of the secret police. Clara seeks João’s protection on Kotor’s behalf, and João is glad to lend what help he can, although it endangers his own position. He becomes more deeply committed when he falls in love with Barbara, Kotor’s daughter. Alexandra becomes similarly enamored of Laurent, Kotor’s son.
Having obtained vital information by torture and bribery, the Marquis da Silva seizes the opportunity to obliterate all of his enemies at once and unleashes a bloody invasion of the Alfama. His troops burn the coffins in which the vampires must rest by day, and they slaughter the vampires’ human allies. João manages to escape with his own life and to save Barbara, and Clara and Kotor take a ship for the New World. Da Silva manages to trap Laurent and Alexandra, but in destroying them he seals his own fate.