Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
by Jorge Amado
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jorge AmadoEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-09-12
ISBN: 0307276651
Number of pages: 448
Publisher: Vintage
Book Reviews of Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
Book Review: A Brazilian town evolves towards modernity in this 1925 classic novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
This Brazilian classic novel is set in 1925. Changes were happening then, big changes. The dominance of the brutal plantation owners, who had forged their will through gunfire and violence was being challenged by progress and a gentler and more practical way of doing business. The book is set in a town undergoing such upheavals and the author brings it all to life by the use of realistic details, gentle humor and an understanding of human nature and the social constrictions of the time. Here, women are either wives or mistresses and men who kill their wives and their lovers are never punished. The town is showing signs of progress though. There is now a bus line. And a young politician is trying to bring modernity to the town by having the sandbar dredged, thus enabling more trade. Politics are complex and include violence. But there is no doubt that changes are coming.
Enter into this a young migrant woman named Gabriella. Not only is she beautiful and carries the scent of clove and cinnamon, but she is an expert cook who is quickly hired in a bar. Soon she is sleeping joyfully with the bar owner and winning over the patrons with her delicious food. She is totally childlike and unpretentious and loved by all. Through her, the author portrays an unsophisticated idealism. She effects the whole town and how her relationships play out against the political turmoil make the book a unique and interesting read.
Personally, I thought the Gabriella character was a little too sweet and overdone because nobody is that perfect. I was more intrigued with the politics although there were so many players that I sometimes got their names confused. But I did enjoy the view of the town in transition as well as the uniquely Brazilian feel of the story and I came away with a better understanding of a time and a place and a way of life that is no more. For that I acknowledge the author for introducing me to his very unique world view.
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