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Changes and identities represent one of the thematic axes of the work of Lídia Jorge - a key figure in contemporary Portuguese literature. Be it at a regional level - the Algarve - be it at a national level, the 10 novels published by Jorge from 1980 to 2010 consider the crossroads faced by Portugal, its urban areas and its rural communities, as a major issue. In doing so, the novelist provides an in-depth assessment of structural transformations and challenges the Portuguese have to deal with. Such an interpretation cannot be ignored by sociologists. The paper presents an attempt to consider Jorge's elaboration from a sociological point a view. This means an attempt to foster a dialogue between the two kinds of portraits - the one drawn by literary creativity and the one drawn by sociological analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]