The author lives in Fatima and has written extensively on the Shrine – its history, significance and message. In Armchair Fatima he has written and entertaining, informative and often outrageously humorous book on this Marian jewel based on his researches and occasional work as a guide.
His object is clearly to lure his readers to Fatima, in spirit if not in person. Along with the facts and the photographs, old and new, he uses stories. He has a keen ear for a story and his pages are full of them, not only those associated with the immediate Fatima area, but also those places of religious interest which pilgrims visit on day trips such as, Coimbra, Sitio and Nazare, Santarem, the great monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. Balasar (Alexandrina and the earth cross).
After reading this book central Portugal is no longer a vague area on a map but a region of colour, life and excitement. Furthermore it is full of intriguing characters and that laughter which is a constant companion of the serious pilgrim.