Modern Brazilian Short Stories

This anthology features seventeen stories that explore a wide range of Brazilian themes and styles, from the northeastern backlands to Rio and Sao Paulo. The characters are diverse, embracing wealthy land-owners, middle-class merchants, cowboys, thieves, and prostitutes. The irony found in most of the stories tempers the underlying warmth with a certain wryness, and the Brazilian humor is said to be similar to North American humor. The Crime of the Mathematics Professor is a strange plunge into the mystery of a man's sense of guilt. The stories are thoroughly Brazilian and yet universal, with a pervasive humanity in Brazil's best writers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

This anthology features seventeen captivating stories that showcase a diverse range of contemporary and modern Brazilian themes and styles. The settings span from a nearly abandoned village nestled in the northeastern backlands to the bustling streets of Rio and Sao Paulo, creating a vivid tapestry of experiences. The characters, equally diverse, encompass a wide spectrum of backgrounds, from wealthy land-owners to middle-class merchants, cowboys, thieves, and prostitutes. Moreover, the collection showcases a remarkable variety of modes, with a notable emphasis on irony. This irony adds a wry touch to the stories, reminiscent of the best Brazilian fiction from authors like Machado de Assis to Guimaraes Rosa.

Interestingly, Guimaraes Rosa, the towering figure of contemporary Brazilian literature, is represented in this anthology with an unconventional and unforgettable masterpiece, "The Third Bank of the River." Brazilian humor is often likened to North American humor, and it is abundant in this collection. It manifests in various forms, ranging from mordant to hilarious, casual to homely, nostalgic to melancholic. In Graciliano Ramos's story of an inept thief, it even approaches the comedic brilliance of Chaplin. However, alongside the humor, there is a distinct voluptuous melancholy, known as the much-celebrated tristeza brasileira. This melancholic tone blends seamlessly with the humor in stories like "My Father's Hat," creating a profoundly Brazilian enchantment in tone and feeling.

One of the standout features of this anthology is its universality. While the settings and manners may be exotic to some readers, the stories transcend cultural boundaries and offer a deep understanding of the human experience. The best writers in Brazil possess a pervasive humanity that shines through even when the local color is striking. They never resort to parochialism, instead capturing the essence of the human condition in their narratives.

In conclusion, this anthology provides a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Brazilian literature. Through its diverse stories, characters, and modes, it offers a profound exploration of contemporary Brazilian themes and styles. The irony, humor, and melancholy found within these pages create a unique and captivating reading experience that transcends national boundaries. Whether you are a seasoned reader of Brazilian literature or a newcomer seeking to explore this vibrant literary tradition, this anthology is a must-read.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307575