The Brazilians by Joseph A. Page Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Brazilians
Book Review: Brazilian culture and history rolled-up into one.
Summary: 4 Stars
I wish I could have read this before living in Brazil for three years. This book covers all of Brazilian history from a cultural point of view. If you're interested in modern Brazilian culture (Carnival, TV, etc.), there are some very interesting insights. I'm not sure how this book would read if you haven't experienced Brazil first-hand. I'm not sure Brazilians will appreciate it since it's not always a flattering portrait. I think there are many insights that pertain the history of American slavery and being African-American in this countryBook Review: Cry , beloved Brazil?
Summary: 4 Stars
Brazil has certainly captured the imagination of most people around the world mainly because of its biological diversity, the carnival in Rio, and its soccer superstars. In fact, people tend to glamorize the country and its people, thinking of the sensuality and docility of Brazilians, the nice rhythyms of 'bossa nova' and 'samba', and the colorful tropical setting. There is, however, a strong, violent undercurrent in Brazilian culture, and Page's book exposes all the sources and manifestations of these in a clear way. There is violence against nature (as the despoiling of the Amazon forest and the sad case of Cubatao show); there is violence against homeless children in the streets; there is violence against women in order to 'save the honor'; there is violence against the poor in the 'favelas', mostly by neglect and drug trafficking... One wonders, by the end of the book, how Brazilians have been able to strive thus far and how they'll be able to cope with the serious challenges posed by overpopulation and poverty, among other things.Page does a good job at trying to explain what is Brazilian by delving into the history of the country. The colonial past certainly branded the country, with its strong slavery component (slavery was abolished only in 1888 in Brazil) and almost medieval social stratification of masters and slaves or, later, peons. Page contends that many of the attitudes and dynamics generated by these have perdured, in one way or another, to this day, even in big cities. Also, Page emphasizes the influence of the many immigrant groups (Portuguese, Japanese, Italians, and Germans)and religions (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and 'candomble' and 'umbanda') in marking the country. It is, indeed, so rich a tapestry of influences, that one sometimes feels somewhat lost in trying to grasp what is truly Brazilian.
I highly recommend this book to anybody interested in this fascinating country. Page is sometimes condescending in his exposition, but he is always interesting and provides good food for thought and discussion.
Book Review: Crying for an update
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this book when I was going to marry into a Brazilian family and was even more intrigued by a country as diverse in ethnicity and geography as my own. A really great primer on the unique Brazilian culture--an amalgamation of many--and concise history. However, at 12+ years on the shelf this volume cries out for updating. I know of no other single book that equals "The Brazilians"; it would take a rack of books to cover the breadth of topics contained in this one work. Second edition, please!Book Review: Describe Brazil from colonization to 1980s
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are looking for a book to understand Brazil from colonization in 1400s to 1980s then it is a good book. This book will keep you interested to not miss a paragraph.Book Review: Easy read, rich in information, anecdotes + pop-culture
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book because I was planning a trip to Brazil and I wanted something that would provide me with a good frame of reference for my trip. In this capacity I was VERY satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the anecdotal style which made this a very easy read - It took me two evenings, and I was never tempted to skim / skip. The book is colorful, and I am particularly grateful to the author for not neglecting popular culture in favor of socio-economic data. The chapters on telenovelas, the Carnival, and Soccer were particularly interesting and enlightening. I think it is great that he refers to book and movie portrayals of various events in his discussion of certain events - it helps bring everything together when he mentions, that scene in "The Mission..." A flood of images returns and suddenly everything is in a larger context. I thought it was superb that he spend careful attention discussing the history and character of various states. All too often, life outside the 'captial' cities of a country are neglected. Who would characterize the US by New York City or Russia by Moscow, or Japan by Tokyo?
The only downside is the portrayal of poverty and violence. While important topics, I came away with the impression that the author was arguing that Brazil was especially violent, poverty-stricken and unjust... I doubt that it is much more so than other lesser-developed countries, and probably some US inner-cities. Some un-baised comparative data would have been appropriate here to put it all in context.
For anyone planning to travel to Brazil that wants to get beyond the basic tourist-guide understanding of the country, I highly recommend the book.