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Until Brazil
She had the perfect husband, the perfect career --- the perfect life...UNTIL BRAZIL. A woman MBA in a stalled career, a troubled Brazilian company, and a fledgling consulting team far from Boston headquarters inhabit this compelling tale of cultural contrasts, business intrigue, and personal transformation. Those who join protagonist Beth Bartlett as she yoyos between Boston and Brazil will share the inner conflicts that challenge hidden assumptions and cause her to question the meaning of the good life. A fast-paced plot carries readers from roadside slums to smoke-filled boardrooms, from Boston Ballet to bossa nova, from Rolex-clad haves to barefoot have-nots. Along the way, Ivy League consultants, demanding shareholders, baffling Brazilians, and a street-smart Argentine reveal an insider s view of international business and strategy formulation. Then, amidst this journey of self-discovery, a surprising love story unfolds. As her two worlds collide, Beth s strategic choices reshape her client and her career, her love and her life. Beth s transformation and its costs echo the personal drama faced when one ventures far from home in search of opportunity or growth, making this story as timely and relevant as it is entertaining.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2011
7 people want to read
About the author
Bethe Lee Moulton
4 books2 followersBethe Lee Moulton brings a unique perspective to her writing, grounded in strong family roots and inspired by global experience. Her characters confront choices and dilemmas, stemming from expanded horizons.
An international strategist, Bethe divides her time between Boston, Buenos Aires, and Boca Raton, to be with her far-flung friends and family, spanning four generations, multiple cultures, and diverse worldviews.
On her desk, the flags of 30 nations pay tribute to the places and people that have shaped her life and her writing.
An international strategist, Bethe divides her time between Boston, Buenos Aires, and Boca Raton, to be with her far-flung friends and family, spanning four generations, multiple cultures, and diverse worldviews.
On her desk, the flags of 30 nations pay tribute to the places and people that have shaped her life and her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 13, 2011
This story hooked me in the first few chapters because I wanted to find what happens to Beth in Brazil. She has some issues with her husband (George) that make her sympathetic. He wants everything his way. He wants her to be a career woman, but doesn’t like her traveling to Brazil, even when she gave up having children for him. George is cold and annoying.
However, the writing could use more polishing in the first couple of chapters. At times it was heavy on description of something that tended to slow the pace down, such as going to a lot of trouble to describe making coffee. On occasion, there was telling that was unnecessary.
For example at the end of one scene it says. “Stakes that were already high had just gotten higher.” Or “My marriage was already paying a price.”
I like to come to these conclusions on my own. The description was already there to do so.
The blurb describes it as fast paced, but I didn’t find it to be so. There are long passages of business meetings where there wasn’t much conflict. I wanted to skim as these slowed the pace of the story down. Also the stakes didn’t come across all that high at first. If she doesn’t succeed in Brazil, then what? She goes home. Her husband says “I told you so.” She doesn’t get that promotion, but a lot of people don’t get their promotions.
This was my impression of the first half. I still found it enjoyable enough to continue, and I’m glad I did.
The pace picks up about halfway through. The stakes become more clear. It’s not all about the promotion, it’s more about Beth and how she changes. Will she follow her passion or play it safe? She struggles with the problem of her loveless marriage, and then the romance and life she finds in Brazil. The themes are skillfully worked in, and the description vividly describes Brazil. As you read, you learn about the culture, which is fun. The story is believable because it’s based on a true story. The characterization is very good. Women are going to want Beth to succeed because she’s going into “man” territory and has been told by some men she’s going to fail. It sends good messages “Get out of your box and live.” And “Don’t let others run your life.”
Overall, I recommend this as an interesting read.
However, the writing could use more polishing in the first couple of chapters. At times it was heavy on description of something that tended to slow the pace down, such as going to a lot of trouble to describe making coffee. On occasion, there was telling that was unnecessary.
For example at the end of one scene it says. “Stakes that were already high had just gotten higher.” Or “My marriage was already paying a price.”
I like to come to these conclusions on my own. The description was already there to do so.
The blurb describes it as fast paced, but I didn’t find it to be so. There are long passages of business meetings where there wasn’t much conflict. I wanted to skim as these slowed the pace of the story down. Also the stakes didn’t come across all that high at first. If she doesn’t succeed in Brazil, then what? She goes home. Her husband says “I told you so.” She doesn’t get that promotion, but a lot of people don’t get their promotions.
This was my impression of the first half. I still found it enjoyable enough to continue, and I’m glad I did.
The pace picks up about halfway through. The stakes become more clear. It’s not all about the promotion, it’s more about Beth and how she changes. Will she follow her passion or play it safe? She struggles with the problem of her loveless marriage, and then the romance and life she finds in Brazil. The themes are skillfully worked in, and the description vividly describes Brazil. As you read, you learn about the culture, which is fun. The story is believable because it’s based on a true story. The characterization is very good. Women are going to want Beth to succeed because she’s going into “man” territory and has been told by some men she’s going to fail. It sends good messages “Get out of your box and live.” And “Don’t let others run your life.”
Overall, I recommend this as an interesting read.
March 24, 2013
On the front cover of Bethe Lee Moulton's novel, Until Brazil, the following is written: "She had the perfect husband, the perfect career-the perfect life…". Things are not always as they seem. Protagonist, Beth Bartlett, seemingly does have it all. She has a Harvard MBA, her husband is a physician and they have a beautiful home in Boston. In reality, her husband is controlling and her career as a strategist has "stalled". When her employer tells her he wants to send her to their Brazil office to act as a consultant for a new client she meets with nothing but resistance from her husband and sister. She acknowledges that she does not speak the language and does not know the culture. She goes anyways.
Beth was not prepared for what she found. Brazil was a place of contrasts. Poverty was fully evident. The wealthy lived in fortresses. This was just the beginning. Beth found that procedures and strategies that worked in the US didn't fare as well in Brazil. Her success becomes dependent on the staff of her company's Brazilian team. Last, but not least, will the client's Brazilian executives accept the advice of an American female executive?
The story deals with transitions. The character of Beth the reader meets in the beginning of the novel is not the same person we see at its conclusion. The mixture of personalities placed in exotic locales enhances the story line. Can an American woman, who is clearly out of her comfort zone, succeed in the male dominated business world of Brazil? Does what happens in Brazil stay in Brazil? The author brings Brazil to life by giving vibrant descriptions of the people, the food and the culture. This is a book that is worth reading and I recommend doing so.
I received this book free of charge from Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and I give this review of my own free will.
Beth was not prepared for what she found. Brazil was a place of contrasts. Poverty was fully evident. The wealthy lived in fortresses. This was just the beginning. Beth found that procedures and strategies that worked in the US didn't fare as well in Brazil. Her success becomes dependent on the staff of her company's Brazilian team. Last, but not least, will the client's Brazilian executives accept the advice of an American female executive?
The story deals with transitions. The character of Beth the reader meets in the beginning of the novel is not the same person we see at its conclusion. The mixture of personalities placed in exotic locales enhances the story line. Can an American woman, who is clearly out of her comfort zone, succeed in the male dominated business world of Brazil? Does what happens in Brazil stay in Brazil? The author brings Brazil to life by giving vibrant descriptions of the people, the food and the culture. This is a book that is worth reading and I recommend doing so.
I received this book free of charge from Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and I give this review of my own free will.
July 25, 2013
A story showing the growth of a woman who was in a high powered, high paying, man oriented, job. She's married to a man who is never happy with anything in their life. He wants her to be successful but he hates her job because of all the traveling. She gave up having children for him, but he complains about that too. He's cold and I found his character to be very annoying in a one of a kind, unique way.
I immediately felt like this book could use a good editor, it read as if it was a rough first draft. There was an abundance of really slow parts of the book that I found myself skimming through initially, especially through the beginning. It did begin to pick up in the middle of the book when the issues in her life become a bit more apparent.
I really enjoyed watching Beth Bartlett grow from a tense woman who is disturbingly controlled by her husband, to a strong woman who takes charge of her life. Who knew a small change like a new scarf and skirt, would change everything forever.
Beth is a great character who I found myself rooting for all through the book for her success and to find her balance between her old life and what she wants in her new life. This is a great book for those of you that enjoy reading about a woman who can overcome and grow through anything that gets in her way.
I overall give this book 3/5. Although the book was great, I couldn't get over the rough draft feel to the whole novel.
I immediately felt like this book could use a good editor, it read as if it was a rough first draft. There was an abundance of really slow parts of the book that I found myself skimming through initially, especially through the beginning. It did begin to pick up in the middle of the book when the issues in her life become a bit more apparent.
I really enjoyed watching Beth Bartlett grow from a tense woman who is disturbingly controlled by her husband, to a strong woman who takes charge of her life. Who knew a small change like a new scarf and skirt, would change everything forever.
Beth is a great character who I found myself rooting for all through the book for her success and to find her balance between her old life and what she wants in her new life. This is a great book for those of you that enjoy reading about a woman who can overcome and grow through anything that gets in her way.
I overall give this book 3/5. Although the book was great, I couldn't get over the rough draft feel to the whole novel.
September 2, 2012
A real page-turner! If you know Brasil, BRILLIANT! If you know management consulting, FABULOUS! Sex, intrigue, pinstripe suits, corporate quagmires vs. change agent: a spirited brew!! Bethe is a great story-teller. Buy the book. Or a Caipirinha on me if you do not enjoy it!
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July 18, 2013I highly recommend this book to anyone.
I received this book free of charge and am in no way bound to give a good review.
I received this book free of charge and am in no way bound to give a good review.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews