João van Zeller - Johnny Man - Lisboa | Porto, Luanda, Londres 1970-1975

This book covers the period between 1970 and 1975, in three distinct geographical locations: Lisbon/Porto, Luanda, and London, thus continuing the memoir narrative begun by the author in his previous books, Johnny Boy and Young Johnny, published by this publisher in 2019 and 2021.

Part 1 addresses Portuguese society of the time (in a model that disappeared after 1975), highlighting some of the main protagonists of the financial and industrial world of Lisbon and Porto between 1970 and the beginning of 1973.

Angola is the subject of Part 2, in the critical period of 1973-75 that preceded independence. It is approached from a unique perspective, given the author's position as CEO of a bank based in Luanda, which associated the then largest bank in the world, Citibank, and Banco Espírito Santo. His responsibilities led João van Zeller to live and witness firsthand, and here report on, the disaster that was the collapse of a society and an economy that no one could or wanted to prevent.

Part 3 of the book follows the author through the remainder of 1975. It is a saga between the United States and Europe in search of destiny, six months in which he meets with renowned international figures, ending in London in great uncertainty. Finally, a large English bank offers him a promising job, beginning a more serene and successful period of life.