What Is Mine

In his book "What Is Mine," sociologist José Henrique Bortoluci explores the history of Brazil and his family through interviews with his father, Didi, a truck driver who worked on infrastructure projects during the military dictatorship. The book examines the parallels between cancer and capitalism, the toll of Didi's work on his health, and the distance between him and his father due to class differences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

In his captivating book, "What Is Mine," sociologist José Henrique Bortoluci delves into the rich tapestry of Brazil's recent history, intertwining it with the personal narrative of his father, Didi. Spanning from the mid-1960s to the mid-2010s, Didi's career as a truck driver led him on a journey that often took him far from home, as he traversed the vast expanse of the country, actively participating in monumental infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Amazonian Highway. This ambitious initiative, driven by the military dictatorship of the time, was characterized by extensive deforestation, leaving a lasting ecological footprint. As an astute observer of history, Didi reflects on the profound impact his work has had on his well-being, encompassing a heart attack in middle age and the cancer that ultimately shaped his retirement.

Through the intimate conversations with his father, Bortoluci skillfully weaves together the history of a nation with the intimate story of a man, unveiling profound parallels between cancer and capitalism. Both entities, driven by expansion and fueled by the relentless pursuit of growth at any cost, represent embodiments of the gospel of growth. Moreover, he traces the widening gap that class has created between him and his father, highlighting the societal divisions that have shaped their lives.

"What Is Mine" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the scars we carry, both as individuals and as nations. Drawing inspiration from authors like Annie Ernaux and Svetlana Alexievich, Bortoluci crafts a narrative that is both moving and intellectually stimulating. The book offers a poignant reflection on the enduring legacies of historical events and the personal toll they take on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, "What Is Mine" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of Brazil's recent history and the profound impact of individual choices on the collective narrative. Through the lens of his father's experiences, Bortoluci provides a thought-provoking exploration of the scars we carry, as people and as nations, and offers a roadmap for healing and reconciliation.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 196 x 127 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270851