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Brazilian fiction Books
Best books
Júlia Lopes de Almeida
A fallencia
"A Fallência" by Júlia Lopes de Almeida is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in Rio de Janeiro and explores themes of ambition, class struggle, and the complexities of human relationships. The central character, Francisco Theodoro, is portrayed as an ambitious coffee merchant grappling with the challenges of his climb to success and the anxiety that accompanies potential competition. The opening of the novel vividly depicts the bustling environment of Rio de Janeiro's bustling coffee trade, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy marketplace where laborers and merchants are hard at work. Francisco Theodoro is introduced as a hardworking business owner overseeing the operations of his coffee warehouse. As he navigates the chaos of the marketplace, he reflects on his rise from humble beginnings, feeling threatened by the success of a rival, Gama Torres. The narrative sets the stage for a story rife with tension as Theodoro contemplates his life choices and ambitions, hinting at the impact of his past on his present and future.
Lima Barreto
Triste Fim de Polycarpo Quaresma
"Triste Fim de Polycarpo Quaresma" by Lima Barreto is a novel first published in 1911. It follows Major Policarpo Quaresma, an idealistic patriot obsessed with Brazilian culture and progress. His noble but impractical dreams lead him through three phases of disillusionment: promoting indigenous language and traditions, attempting agricultural reform on his farm, and fighting in the Armada Revolt. This satirical work critiques nationalism, corruption, and false patriotism in early Republican Brazil, portraying a quixotic anti-hero whose virtues become his downfall.
Affonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo Affonso Celso
Lupe
"Lupe" by Afonso Celso is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book follows the journey of a young Brazilian named Afonso Celso as he travels across America and interacts with various characters, notably the captivating Lupe Hedges, a Mexican girl who has fallen from wealth and status. The narrative appears to weave together themes of personal reflection, social commentary, and cultural observations as Afonso discovers more about both his traveling companions and himself. The opening of "Lupe" introduces us to Afonso's melancholic departure from San Francisco, where he spent a week in isolation. Feeling detached from his homeland, he embarks on a voyage aboard the Colima, a ship destined for Acapulco. Onboard, he encounters Lupe, the daughter of a recently deceased affluent merchant, who is now facing the collapse of her family's fortune. Their initial interaction is marked by a blend of intrigue and tension as Afonso feels both drawn to and frustrated by Lupe's spirited demeanor. As their paths cross during the journey, underlying themes of identity, cultural misunderstandings, and emotional complexity begin to emerge, setting the stage for the developing storyline.
Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay Taunay
Ao Entardecer (Contos Varios)
"Ao Entardecer (Contos Varios)" by Visconde de Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The narratives intertwine themes of illness, familial struggles, and social commentary, offering a reflective look at human emotions and connections. Central to the opening story is a young boy named Alberto, whose delicate health and indomitable spirit set the stage for a poignant exploration of love, hope, and despair in the face of mortality. The opening of the story introduces us to Alberto, a sickly child traveling with his family from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. As they journey by train, the narrative reveals Alberto's struggle with a severe illness, which permeates conversations with his concerned parents and caregivers. The boy attempts to maintain a cheerful disposition, finding joy in small observations about the world outside, despite his suffering. His resilience and desire for knowledge shine through in his musings, as he expresses a longing to travel and learn. Amidst the parents’ turmoil over their child's precarious health, we see their love and desperation unfold, making it clear that the boy’s fate looms large over the family’s journey.
Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay Taunay
Innocencia
"Innocencia" by Visconde de Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay is a regionalist novel published in 1872. Set in the Brazilian sertão, it tells the story of a young woman promised in marriage to a violent cattle dealer chosen by her authoritarian father. When a wandering pharmacist posing as a doctor arrives to treat her illness, forbidden love blooms in secret. A mute dwarf watches everything. This tragic romance, often called the "sertanejo Romeo and Juliet," captures the clash between passion and patriarchal tradition in Brazil's rural heartland.
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