Alfredo Campos
A Filha do Cabinda
"A Filha do Cabinda" by Alfredo Campos is a romance written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around the complex relationships between a beautiful young woman named Magdalena, the titular daughter of Cabinda, a devoted former slave, and her father, Jorge de Macedo. The narrative captures themes of love, loss, and the deep emotional bonds that transcend social boundaries, as it delves into the lives of these characters in Brazil. At the start of the story, the narrative introduces Cabinda, a black former slave who, despite the traumas of slavery and loss of his family, has formed a loving bond with Magdalena since her childhood. As Magdalena grows up in privilege, she is surrounded by love from both her father and Cabinda, which is contrasted with her feelings of vague sadness and longing. The opening sets the stage for the inevitable challenges of love and acceptance, particularly as Magdalena begins to recognize her burgeoning feelings for a white man named Luiz, leading to an exploration of societal norms and personal desires.