Cidade do Vício by Fialho de Almeida is a gripping and gritty portrayal of the seedy underbelly of urban life in Portugal during the late 19th century. The novel follows the lives of various characters who are drawn into the dark world of crime, poverty, and moral decay.

The author's descriptive writing transports the reader to the streets of Lisbon, where the characters navigate the dangerous and corrupt environment that surrounds them. Through the perspectives of different individuals, Almeida explores the themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption, creating a complex and multifaceted narrative.

While the subject matter may be bleak, Almeida's writing is powerful and evocative, capturing the struggles and despair of the characters with a raw intensity. The novel is a vivid depiction of a society in decline, where moral boundaries are blurred and the pursuit of pleasure often leads to ruin.

Overall, Cidade do Vício is a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves deep into the darker aspects of human nature. It is a testament to the author's skill in capturing the complexities of life in a city consumed by vice and corruption.

Book Description:
Obra dedicada, por José Fialho de Almeida, a Joaquim Xavier de Figueiredo e a Mello Oriol Pena. Nela se encontram encerrados diversos contos de ficção, que a par da obra Contos, também foram produzidos durante as horas de ócio. Os seus dois livros de contos foram editados quando ainda era estudante de medicina. Formado em 1885, apenas episodicamente fez clínica. Atraído por Lisboa, pelos seus teatros, cafés, livrarias, Fialho abandonou tudo para se dedicar ao jornalismo profissional, paixão da sua vida, em que mal ganhava para viver.