Book cover of Macunaima: The Hero with No Character

Book description

Here at last is an exciting new edition of the Brazilian modernist epic Macunaima: The Hero with No Character, by Mario de Andrade. This landmark 1928 novel follows the adventures of the shapeshifting Macunaima and his brothers as they leave their Amazon home for a whirlwind tour of Brazil, cramming…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Macunaima as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The eponymous hero and his brothers embark on an oversexed tropical Homeric epic that builds into nothing less than an origin myth of Brazil.

As in Virginia Woolf’s Orlando (also published in the same year, 1928), the trio’s adventures collapse time and space and are notably relaxed about gender identities. Nonchalantly metamorphosing races and species and the animate and inanimate, Macunaíma anticipates much later works of magical realism.

This vibrant new translation by Katrina Dodson captures both its modernist spirit and its authentic roots in the luxuriant rainforest.

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These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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