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Cut From The Earth
In 1755, the famous Portuguese tile maker Pêro Manuel Pires is empathetic to a fault. He is dedicated to freeing slaves with the proceeds of his art and hiring the freed to work in his tile factory, triggering rage and repercussions from a competitor.
Pêro harbors a female artist whose risqué creations keep the shop’s works in demand by Lisbon’s elite. The success of her designs does not sit well with one of Pêro’s longtime workers, bringing him and his loved ones under the menacing eye of the Inquisition, with threat of imprisonment and closure of his shop.
Risking his life and liberty, Pêro is determined to push forward. But on All Saints Day, November 1st, Portugal is struck by earthquakes, tidal waves and massive fires, and Pêro loses what is most dear to him. Will he escape? Or stay to fight for freedom and the future?
A historical novel set in 18th century Lisbon, Cut From The Earth is a riveting story of courage, determination and survival.
Pêro harbors a female artist whose risqué creations keep the shop’s works in demand by Lisbon’s elite. The success of her designs does not sit well with one of Pêro’s longtime workers, bringing him and his loved ones under the menacing eye of the Inquisition, with threat of imprisonment and closure of his shop.
Risking his life and liberty, Pêro is determined to push forward. But on All Saints Day, November 1st, Portugal is struck by earthquakes, tidal waves and massive fires, and Pêro loses what is most dear to him. Will he escape? Or stay to fight for freedom and the future?
A historical novel set in 18th century Lisbon, Cut From The Earth is a riveting story of courage, determination and survival.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2021
27 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Renee Dos Santos
3 books6 followersStephanie Renée dos Santos is author of 'Cut From The Earth', a Semi-Finalist for the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Reviews "Chaucer Book Awards". This is her first novel. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from Whitman College. A native of the United States, she divides her time between the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Brazil.
She speaks publicly, to make arrangements and for book club resources and to subscribe to her newsletter visit:
www.stephaniereneedossantos.com
She speaks publicly, to make arrangements and for book club resources and to subscribe to her newsletter visit:
www.stephaniereneedossantos.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 15, 2025
ended up being a bit disappointed with this! was super excited due to the unique historical setting but then the story was just very slow and had quite a lot of filler unfortunately. then probably the most interesting character (Paulinha) was killed (with the daughters:cc) and things just went further downhill. I just wish it had focused a bit more on the process of tile making, maybe if Paulinha had been more of a main character showing her desire and struggle to be a tilemaker within 18th century Lisbon. overall the writing was well done, especially for a debut, I just wish it had a bit more action
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2021
Two disclosures: I'm not a historical fiction reader and the author is a friend of my sisters. I've been hearing of this book for ages and I'm super excited to finally be able to celebrate this launch into the world. Biases aside, I really liked it and, I suspect, if I was a historical fiction reader, I would love it.
The time and place plays a leading role; 1755 in Lisbon Portugal. I know nothing about this time period or this place. Add artists and religion (Inquisition, anyone?), and the community around the tile makers and you have a good story! And this should not be a spoiler because we should all know this...there was this huge earthquake that completely and totally destroyed Lisbon in 1755 and upended the European economy. Thanks, education. I had no idea. P.S. This is my plug for a map. This book needed a map for the uneducated (me).
I'm looking forward to the second installment but until then, excuse me as I have to go pack to relocate to Lisbon. This city has been on my travel list for just about forever. Stephanie has convinced me that not only do I need to visit, I need to live there.
The time and place plays a leading role; 1755 in Lisbon Portugal. I know nothing about this time period or this place. Add artists and religion (Inquisition, anyone?), and the community around the tile makers and you have a good story! And this should not be a spoiler because we should all know this...there was this huge earthquake that completely and totally destroyed Lisbon in 1755 and upended the European economy. Thanks, education. I had no idea. P.S. This is my plug for a map. This book needed a map for the uneducated (me).
I'm looking forward to the second installment but until then, excuse me as I have to go pack to relocate to Lisbon. This city has been on my travel list for just about forever. Stephanie has convinced me that not only do I need to visit, I need to live there.
August 5, 2021
Congratulations to Stephanie Renée dos Santos for her debut novel, Cut from the Earth. This is a novel about PMP, a tile maker in early eighteenth century Lisbon, known only for his initials and acknowledged for creating exquisite figuras de convite. These were rather innovative tile compositions, the size of the human figure. The story tells of PMP’s life, his family, and the workings of his tile factory. In particular, his wish to liberate the enslaved with proceeds from his art, who are then employed at the tile shop.
Dos Santos is a master at recreating the atmosphere of eighteenth century Lisbon. One feels right there, in the time period, as if living PMP’s life step-by-step. She skillfully describes a multitude of scenes in Lisbon: the production process of tile-making and its sale to the Lisbon elite, the famished populace observing the richly ornamented coaches of the royal family passing by in the muddy streets, the processions of penitents flogging their backs to redeem their sins, the ghastly slave trade going on, the eyes and ears of the Inquisition controlling the lives of both women and men. Evil is lurking everywhere, ready to show its claws at the right minute.
Born and raised in Portugal, this is the Lisbon I still know today. At times, the narrative of the past is so close to the reality of the present that I had a knot in my throat. Dos Santos goes on to detail how, on the morning of November 1, 1755, All Saints’ Day - with churches filled to the brim with devotees - the city was reduced to rubble by an earthquake that killed around 60.000 people. Her splendid descriptions are reminders of Voltaire’s "Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne."
Dos Santos is a master at recreating the atmosphere of eighteenth century Lisbon. One feels right there, in the time period, as if living PMP’s life step-by-step. She skillfully describes a multitude of scenes in Lisbon: the production process of tile-making and its sale to the Lisbon elite, the famished populace observing the richly ornamented coaches of the royal family passing by in the muddy streets, the processions of penitents flogging their backs to redeem their sins, the ghastly slave trade going on, the eyes and ears of the Inquisition controlling the lives of both women and men. Evil is lurking everywhere, ready to show its claws at the right minute.
Born and raised in Portugal, this is the Lisbon I still know today. At times, the narrative of the past is so close to the reality of the present that I had a knot in my throat. Dos Santos goes on to detail how, on the morning of November 1, 1755, All Saints’ Day - with churches filled to the brim with devotees - the city was reduced to rubble by an earthquake that killed around 60.000 people. Her splendid descriptions are reminders of Voltaire’s "Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne."
March 12, 2023
The strength of this book lies in its gripping and heartbreaking description of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which occurred on All Saints Day while hundreds of people were in church services. As the city began crumbling around them, they experienced the dual terrors of imminent death, and divine punishment for the many sinful ways of Lisbon at that time.
The tile maker, PMP, Pêro Manuel Pires is the central figure of the story, and one of the many who scrambles to find family members on the day of the earthquake. Pero is a lay monk, who believes that the slaves kept in Portugal to increase the wealth of the few, should be freed. He uses profits from his shop to buy the freedom of enslaved men whom he pays to work in his tile works. This practice angers jealous competitors, who seek to thwart his business. Pero's wife is a tile designer herself and in constant fear of being discovered by the Inquisitors for her sensual renditions which appeal to wealthy people abroad.
I'll be visiting Lisbon this year, so I read this book at the optimal time. I found the beginning of the book to go slowly, and not as engaging as the second section regarding the earthquake, but Dos Santos did intensive research to bring this period in Lisbon life in the mid 1700s vividly to life. I'm anxious to read the next volume of The Tile Maker Series.
The tile maker, PMP, Pêro Manuel Pires is the central figure of the story, and one of the many who scrambles to find family members on the day of the earthquake. Pero is a lay monk, who believes that the slaves kept in Portugal to increase the wealth of the few, should be freed. He uses profits from his shop to buy the freedom of enslaved men whom he pays to work in his tile works. This practice angers jealous competitors, who seek to thwart his business. Pero's wife is a tile designer herself and in constant fear of being discovered by the Inquisitors for her sensual renditions which appeal to wealthy people abroad.
I'll be visiting Lisbon this year, so I read this book at the optimal time. I found the beginning of the book to go slowly, and not as engaging as the second section regarding the earthquake, but Dos Santos did intensive research to bring this period in Lisbon life in the mid 1700s vividly to life. I'm anxious to read the next volume of The Tile Maker Series.
November 15, 2021
Portugal, 1755, an artist, Pêro Manuel Pires we know about next to nothing apart from making famous artful tiles!
Cut from the Earth, by Stephanie Renee Dos Santos. (first book)
The author has masterly woven with what she knew the life the artist might have led. Pêro is not only a tiler, he is also a padre who seeks to save slaves by buying them free. For that he works hard along his wife, also an artist but forbidden to work as she is a woman. He leads a good life until a catastrophic earthquake literally destroys life as he has known along with Lisbon... What I particularly enjoyed in this novel is the extensive research the author has successfully interwoven around the characters' art of tile making; around the earthquake trapping them and its aftermath giving a vivid portrait of a tiler at work as well as Lisbon before and after the earthquake. Very interesting on the religious level as well. Being a Catholic country, the question of why did the earthquake happen? As a punishment? Or as more forward thinkers saw it, was nature involved? How did the higher religious men react with the surviving victims? Very interesting. The characters are well and realistically depicted and I could relate to them.
Excellent read!
Cut from the Earth, by Stephanie Renee Dos Santos. (first book)
The author has masterly woven with what she knew the life the artist might have led. Pêro is not only a tiler, he is also a padre who seeks to save slaves by buying them free. For that he works hard along his wife, also an artist but forbidden to work as she is a woman. He leads a good life until a catastrophic earthquake literally destroys life as he has known along with Lisbon... What I particularly enjoyed in this novel is the extensive research the author has successfully interwoven around the characters' art of tile making; around the earthquake trapping them and its aftermath giving a vivid portrait of a tiler at work as well as Lisbon before and after the earthquake. Very interesting on the religious level as well. Being a Catholic country, the question of why did the earthquake happen? As a punishment? Or as more forward thinkers saw it, was nature involved? How did the higher religious men react with the surviving victims? Very interesting. The characters are well and realistically depicted and I could relate to them.
Excellent read!
May 14, 2024
This evocative historical novel submerges the reader in the events surrounding the 1755 earthquake in Lisbon.
The protagonist is Portuguese tile maker Pêro Manuel Pires who hires freed slaves to work in his tile factory. He aims to free the father of one of his workers if he can get the money together to buy the man his freedom. He loves his wife who is a talented tile designer in her own right, but they must hide and protect her risqué designs from rival tile makers and the Inquisition.
On the morning of 1st November 1755 a devastating earthquake tears through Lisbon, killing thousands and shattering the lives of both rich and poor.
Dos Santos skilfully depicts the wreckage, fear, and the sheer scale of devastation of this natural disaster and the effects it has on the lives of those who survive.
Excellent in-depth research on the earthquake and on 18th century tile making and a great start to the series.
The protagonist is Portuguese tile maker Pêro Manuel Pires who hires freed slaves to work in his tile factory. He aims to free the father of one of his workers if he can get the money together to buy the man his freedom. He loves his wife who is a talented tile designer in her own right, but they must hide and protect her risqué designs from rival tile makers and the Inquisition.
On the morning of 1st November 1755 a devastating earthquake tears through Lisbon, killing thousands and shattering the lives of both rich and poor.
Dos Santos skilfully depicts the wreckage, fear, and the sheer scale of devastation of this natural disaster and the effects it has on the lives of those who survive.
Excellent in-depth research on the earthquake and on 18th century tile making and a great start to the series.
December 16, 2025
Cut From The Earth by Stephanie Renee Dos Santos is a masterful historical novel set in 18th-century Lisbon, weaving together courage, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of Pêro Manuel Pires, a compassionate tile maker dedicated to freeing slaves and supporting fellow artists, readers are drawn into a world of creative brilliance shadowed by societal oppression and the looming menace of the Inquisition.
Dos Santos skillfully balances the intricacies of historical detail with compelling character arcs, exploring the cost of empathy, the power of art, and the resilience required to survive personal and societal catastrophes. The tension escalates with natural disasters striking on All Saints Day, testing Pêro’s courage and forcing him to confront both loss and moral responsibility. Fans of historical fiction, 18th-century European settings, and stories of personal bravery will find Cut From The Earth both riveting and emotionally resonant.
Dos Santos skillfully balances the intricacies of historical detail with compelling character arcs, exploring the cost of empathy, the power of art, and the resilience required to survive personal and societal catastrophes. The tension escalates with natural disasters striking on All Saints Day, testing Pêro’s courage and forcing him to confront both loss and moral responsibility. Fans of historical fiction, 18th-century European settings, and stories of personal bravery will find Cut From The Earth both riveting and emotionally resonant.
May 18, 2021
A richly woven tale set in Lisbon at the time of the cataclysmic earthquake in 1755. Among the glories of historical fiction is its ability to both teach and entertain and this novel rises to the occasion beautifully. Cut FromTthe Earth reveals multiple threads that put the reader in the world of tile making while laying bare the artistic restrictions placed on women at the time. Central to the narrative is the role of enslaved Africans and their liberated descendants. Overriding all, the influence of the Church is made clear as it permeated every aspect of life in this most traditionally Catholic of countries. Memorable characters are rendered with heart and lush period detail as the devastation wrought by a terrible natural disaster is made evident. While walking the streets of Lisbon today the reader will recognize many place names and historic sites mentioned in the book. Fine historical fiction. A wonderful novel to read anytime, but particularly before traveling to Portugal or afterwards.
February 19, 2026
This book is a beautifully written and deeply moving historical novel that completely immersed me in 18th-century Lisbon. The story blends history, emotion, and moral courage in such a powerful way that I found myself fully invested in the characters’ struggles and choices. Pêro’s compassion and determination to free enslaved people, despite the risks to his own life and livelihood, made him an incredibly compelling protagonist. The author’s vivid descriptions of the setting, the artistic world of tile making, and the devastating events that reshape his life are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a story about resilience, humanity, and sacrifice that truly stays with you. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with emotional depth and meaningful themes.
April 7, 2022
Art, Earthquake, Heartbreak
I love reading historical fiction because I learn more about the present by discovering the past, and Stephanie Reneé Dos Santos opened my heart and eyes and imagination to an era of history I knew nothing about.
Stephanie must be an artist, so rich are her descriptions of not only the tile making in Lisbon but also her settings and the emotional journeys of her well-defined characters.
Her protagonist faces moral decisions few of us will ever be presented, and I felt his emotional turmoil with every step he takes.
I wonder-filled debut novel. Looking forward to the sequel.
Brava!
I love reading historical fiction because I learn more about the present by discovering the past, and Stephanie Reneé Dos Santos opened my heart and eyes and imagination to an era of history I knew nothing about.
Stephanie must be an artist, so rich are her descriptions of not only the tile making in Lisbon but also her settings and the emotional journeys of her well-defined characters.
Her protagonist faces moral decisions few of us will ever be presented, and I felt his emotional turmoil with every step he takes.
I wonder-filled debut novel. Looking forward to the sequel.
Brava!
January 13, 2022
This was a book that I won for my book club. I did enjoy reading the story. It took me a while to get into the story. I don’t speak Spanish so the names were difficult for me. I am going to read some more about PMP and his tile making. I had never heard about his story. I do really like historical fiction a lot. I would recommend this book. Pero goes through some horrific events in his life. The author’s description of the earthquake was very moving.
August 14, 2022
Great story. You know the earthquake is on its way, but it still doesn't disappoint. I love how the author makes so many statements about religion, the treatment of various classes of people, women, etc., all without actually preaching at you. Spoiler alert: I'm so glad he didn't stay on that boat!
January 2, 2024
I read historical fiction on and off, but I can't say it's a genre I naturally gravitate to. Holy moly, though, this book had me glued to the pages from start to finish. Gorgeously written and taught me to good deal about Portugal. Big ol' bonus that I get to start my new year off with new knowledge.
October 25, 2025
Cut From The Earth pulled me in from the first page. Pêro’s dedication to freeing others and standing up against injustice felt so inspiring. The story blends art, danger, and hope in such a vivid way that I could almost feel 18th-century Lisbon around me. The characters are brave, flawed, and unforgettable. A gripping read about courage, sacrifice, and survival — I couldn’t put it down!
February 13, 2022
A beautiful book set in the time of the Lisbon Earthquake, which shatters the life of tile maker Pêro Manual Pires, a man who whose dedication to freeing slaves earns him the unwanted attention of the Inquisition.
Fully researched, it gives the reader a vivid picture of 18th century Lisbon.
Fully researched, it gives the reader a vivid picture of 18th century Lisbon.
January 29, 2025
Some of the book was not that interesting, but the descriptions involving the huge earthquake were extremely moving and excellently done. Also vivid and heartfelt were the feelings described involving the main character’s family. Overall, I thought this book was really well written.
September 22, 2025
Fantastic
Really did not know what to expect when starting this but found a fantastic piece of historic fiction based on the horrors of the Lisbon earthquake and history of tile making I was totally absorbed
Really did not know what to expect when starting this but found a fantastic piece of historic fiction based on the horrors of the Lisbon earthquake and history of tile making I was totally absorbed
June 16, 2021
I loved this book. Historical Fiction at its best.! I look forward to the next book in this series.
July 21, 2021
In Lisbon in 1755, a devastating earthquake changes the city forever. The months just before the event are the intriguing backdrop for Stephanie Renee Dos Santos’ vivid debut novel, Cut from the Earth. Closely examining the overlooked origin of the art of the figura de convite style of tilework, this richly detailed novel both arrests the reader with the sensory pleasures Dos Santos provides and compels the reader to continue on. A stunning blend of intriguing plot and lyrical language, this novel delights.
The figura de convite style of tilework, life-sized, cut-out tiles of figures, welcomed visitors when they visited palaces, and were produced in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are only found in Portugal. Dos Santos says not much is known about the creator of the style, other than the initials PMP. Her novel imagines just who PMP was and what the creator’s life was like. The mere concept of the novel enthralled me, as I like mysteries, as I like the teasing out of things we have no way of knowing. I was not disappointed!
Not only the artwork, but the tension between the Inquisition, the Catholic Church’s question to do away with any heresy against itself, and the Enlightenment, an attempt to bring reason and science to society, rather than being controlled by the Church, saturate the novel. It’s personified in the main character, Pêro Manuel Pires, a renowned Portuguese tilemaker, who is also dedicated to freeing slaves and hiring them in his tile factory. Unfortunately, this and the risqué designs of someone thought not worthy (avoiding a spoiler here!) of creating them brings Pires to the attention of the Inquisition, where his faith is questioned, and his livelihood and his very life are threatened.
Even the tragedy that strikes Lisbon is told with such force and detail it is as beautifully described as the tile making. Dos Santos immerses her reader into this world, both the time and place, knowing, like a good conductor, when to ask the horns for more, when to ask the woodwinds to back off. This novel is just stunning.
Interweaving charming scenes of family life with brutal scenes of the other side of society at that time, Dos Santos knows when to apply the pressure and when to relieve it. For instance, Pêro and his lovely daughters, Constanza and Isabela, view the display at a bakery shop: “Isabela lingered in front of a pastry shop, its pane filled with golden egg yolk custards and doughy delicacies of barriga de freiras, ‘belly of nuns.’” I find that so charming and beautiful. The shops they pass are described in such gorgeous depth that you want to really be there. No, you think you are there.
The opening scene gives us this hint of cruelty: “Pêro glanced at his own right hand, to the stumped third and fourth finger, his mouth a tight white line.” We know this has been done to him, and we learn just how barbarously it was done.
When the earthquake strikes, it brings tragedy and leaves everything in jeopardy.
Combining rich historical facts and imagination where needed, Stephanie has created one of the most memorable books of the year, one I can’t wait to re-read. I long for the next installment.
The figura de convite style of tilework, life-sized, cut-out tiles of figures, welcomed visitors when they visited palaces, and were produced in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are only found in Portugal. Dos Santos says not much is known about the creator of the style, other than the initials PMP. Her novel imagines just who PMP was and what the creator’s life was like. The mere concept of the novel enthralled me, as I like mysteries, as I like the teasing out of things we have no way of knowing. I was not disappointed!
Not only the artwork, but the tension between the Inquisition, the Catholic Church’s question to do away with any heresy against itself, and the Enlightenment, an attempt to bring reason and science to society, rather than being controlled by the Church, saturate the novel. It’s personified in the main character, Pêro Manuel Pires, a renowned Portuguese tilemaker, who is also dedicated to freeing slaves and hiring them in his tile factory. Unfortunately, this and the risqué designs of someone thought not worthy (avoiding a spoiler here!) of creating them brings Pires to the attention of the Inquisition, where his faith is questioned, and his livelihood and his very life are threatened.
Even the tragedy that strikes Lisbon is told with such force and detail it is as beautifully described as the tile making. Dos Santos immerses her reader into this world, both the time and place, knowing, like a good conductor, when to ask the horns for more, when to ask the woodwinds to back off. This novel is just stunning.
Interweaving charming scenes of family life with brutal scenes of the other side of society at that time, Dos Santos knows when to apply the pressure and when to relieve it. For instance, Pêro and his lovely daughters, Constanza and Isabela, view the display at a bakery shop: “Isabela lingered in front of a pastry shop, its pane filled with golden egg yolk custards and doughy delicacies of barriga de freiras, ‘belly of nuns.’” I find that so charming and beautiful. The shops they pass are described in such gorgeous depth that you want to really be there. No, you think you are there.
The opening scene gives us this hint of cruelty: “Pêro glanced at his own right hand, to the stumped third and fourth finger, his mouth a tight white line.” We know this has been done to him, and we learn just how barbarously it was done.
When the earthquake strikes, it brings tragedy and leaves everything in jeopardy.
Combining rich historical facts and imagination where needed, Stephanie has created one of the most memorable books of the year, one I can’t wait to re-read. I long for the next installment.
February 22, 2022
From the gorgeous cover to the lovely writing, this novel does not disappoint. So nice to read a book about a little known event--to me--centered on the Great Lisbon Earthquake of November 1, 1755 and the tile makers pursuing their art under extremely difficult conditions. Insightful and entertaining. Can't wait for the next title in this new series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews