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Brazil
Brazil is the first work of fiction to depict five centuries of a great nation's remarkable history, its evolution from colony to kingdom, from empire to modern republic. With a stunning cast of real and fictional characters, the story unfolds in South America, Africa and Europe. Two families dominate this extraordinary novel. The Cavalcantis are among the original settlers and establish the classic Brazilian plantation—vast, powerful, built with slave labor. The da Silvas represent the second element in both contemporary and historical Brazil: pathfinders and prospectors. For generations, these adventurers have their eyes set on El Dorado, which they ultimately find—in a coffee fazenda at Sao Paulo. Brazil is an intensely human story—brutal and violent, tender and passionate. Perilous explorations through the Brazilian wilderness...the perpetual clash of pioneer and native, visionary and fortune hunter, master and slave, zealot and exploiter...the thunder of war on land and sea as European powers and South American nations pursue their territorial conquests...the triumphs and tragedies of a people who built a nation covering half the South American continent...all are here in one spell-binding saga.
800 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
73 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Errol Lincoln Uys
5 books54 followersI was ten when I penned my first novella, 'Revenge,' on the back of stock certificates tossed out by my mother. My journey to a writing career was anything but conventional. I sold teddy bears on the streets of Johannesburg, worked at a dolls’ hospital, ran a missing persons’ bureau, made cane furniture, and spent two years as a law clerk – all before the age of 21.
When I joined the Johannesburg ‘Star,’ my first published article was an op-ed piece, ‘Happiness is an Unprejudiced Mind.’ My newspaper and magazine career spanned three continents. Along the road, I was editor-in-chief of Reader’s Digest’s South African edition.
A move to the Digest’s U.S. headquarters led to a two-year assignment with James A. Michener on his South African novel, 'The Covenant.' Commenting on our work together, Michener said: “Uys showed such a mastery and predilection for plotting that again and again he came up with dazzling ideas that again and again attracted my attention, often proposing something so far from my intention that I was bedazzled.”
I devoted five years to the writing of 'Brazil.' I spent a year on my research traveling extensively in Brazil, where I journeyed 15,000 miles, almost exclusively by bus. My original manuscript penned by hand reached a staggering 750,000 words.
My non-fiction book, ‘Riding the Rails: Teenagers on the Move During the Great Depression’ tells the story of a quarter million boxcar boys and girls roaming America in the 1930s.
Now a United States citizen, I live in Boston, Massachusetts, with my wife, Janette, whom I met in a Johannesburg park, when I was six years old and not quite ready to begin selling teddy bears!
When I joined the Johannesburg ‘Star,’ my first published article was an op-ed piece, ‘Happiness is an Unprejudiced Mind.’ My newspaper and magazine career spanned three continents. Along the road, I was editor-in-chief of Reader’s Digest’s South African edition.
A move to the Digest’s U.S. headquarters led to a two-year assignment with James A. Michener on his South African novel, 'The Covenant.' Commenting on our work together, Michener said: “Uys showed such a mastery and predilection for plotting that again and again he came up with dazzling ideas that again and again attracted my attention, often proposing something so far from my intention that I was bedazzled.”
I devoted five years to the writing of 'Brazil.' I spent a year on my research traveling extensively in Brazil, where I journeyed 15,000 miles, almost exclusively by bus. My original manuscript penned by hand reached a staggering 750,000 words.
My non-fiction book, ‘Riding the Rails: Teenagers on the Move During the Great Depression’ tells the story of a quarter million boxcar boys and girls roaming America in the 1930s.
Now a United States citizen, I live in Boston, Massachusetts, with my wife, Janette, whom I met in a Johannesburg park, when I was six years old and not quite ready to begin selling teddy bears!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 24, 2013
I did it! I finished it! Some of it was tough slogging but then compared to slogging through the Amazon jungle or the cactus forests of Brazil it is a minor feat that I finished reading it. Don't get me wrong; I really enjoyed this book and learned alot about Brazil and South America. Uys (pronounced Ace) did an amazing amount of research especially considering that he is not a native to the country. The book format is similar to James Michener books, not surprising since Uys worked as a researcher for him. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand this incredibly beautiful country better.
January 2, 2015
Brazil is an epic 800-page historical novel written in English by Errol Lincoln Uys, a South African author based in the US. Unusual as this may seem, the book amazes the reader by the depth of the research put into it, by the skilful writing and by the creativity used in blending history with storytelling. The way the author manages to condense five hundred years of history in just one book is downright amazing. The story orbits around the tale of two families, one in Pernambuco, in the Northeast of Brazil, and the other one in São Paulo. In parallel, and sometimes interwoven by fate, both dynasties participate directly in events that would shape the country. Despite the book’s length, at no point does it get boring; Uys' obvious fascination and passion for the subject ensure that the read is a gripping roller coaster. Its characters are very "alive" and adventurous, providing a rich insight into how life was during the many phases of Brazil's past in its many different regions.
Beyond its great entertainment value, Brazil is also a great resource for those studying the country’s history. I learned a lot by reading this book; it increased my knowledge and understanding of the Paraguay war, the pre-Portuguese indigenous practices as well as the life of Antonho Conselheiro, and the war of Canudos. Uys’ book has also made the names of many streets of Rio de Janeiro - and throughout Brazil - come alive to me. These small examples and many others have made it clear that Brazil is one of the best, if not the best, historical novel about the country written by a non-Brazilian. To it’s great advantage the book has a refreshing neutrality and an objectivity which is sometimes difficult to find with Brazilian historians.
In addition to my praise and awe I will put forward the following remarks: History is a slippery subject and the vastness of Brazil and the complexity of its past may cause academic objections regarding the choices of the Uys’ focus. Other historians would - and have - focused on other events and regions to describe Brazil’s past, however one must recognize that any author undertaking such an enormous task would attract similar comments. In my case, the privileging of historical events and of big names over a more "sociological" and a more the "man-in-the street" perspective caused some reflection. Another point that stuck out was that most characters in the book either belong to the powerful and wealthy elite or belong to the very poor and oppressed layers of the Brazilian society - a necessary expedient for this kind of narrative, but also a decision that may have caused a certain "flatness" in some personalities. These choices may also lead to the misunderstanding of the dynamics of some sectors of the country’s population although by no means do they diminish the book’s brilliance.
Brazilian history is widely unknown throughout the English-speaking world. Perhaps because of this, as a Bandeirante, or an explorer/settler, conquering the unexplored vastness of the country's fascinating past, Uys has produced a fascinating, cinematographic and ground breaking piece of work. The fact that he is not Brazilian and that he wrote this book in English has allowed for a lightness and for a creativity that one normally does not find in similar books written in Portuguese by Brazilian authors. Uys’ historical novel is undoubtedly a trustful and enjoyable portal for anyone - beginner or advanced - seeking to understand Brazil and to know its past. Brazil is also a great read for those who simply want to enjoy a great book and I can see it becoming a top rated TV series. I hope it does. Anyhow, this is a definite five star book!
Beyond its great entertainment value, Brazil is also a great resource for those studying the country’s history. I learned a lot by reading this book; it increased my knowledge and understanding of the Paraguay war, the pre-Portuguese indigenous practices as well as the life of Antonho Conselheiro, and the war of Canudos. Uys’ book has also made the names of many streets of Rio de Janeiro - and throughout Brazil - come alive to me. These small examples and many others have made it clear that Brazil is one of the best, if not the best, historical novel about the country written by a non-Brazilian. To it’s great advantage the book has a refreshing neutrality and an objectivity which is sometimes difficult to find with Brazilian historians.
In addition to my praise and awe I will put forward the following remarks: History is a slippery subject and the vastness of Brazil and the complexity of its past may cause academic objections regarding the choices of the Uys’ focus. Other historians would - and have - focused on other events and regions to describe Brazil’s past, however one must recognize that any author undertaking such an enormous task would attract similar comments. In my case, the privileging of historical events and of big names over a more "sociological" and a more the "man-in-the street" perspective caused some reflection. Another point that stuck out was that most characters in the book either belong to the powerful and wealthy elite or belong to the very poor and oppressed layers of the Brazilian society - a necessary expedient for this kind of narrative, but also a decision that may have caused a certain "flatness" in some personalities. These choices may also lead to the misunderstanding of the dynamics of some sectors of the country’s population although by no means do they diminish the book’s brilliance.
Brazilian history is widely unknown throughout the English-speaking world. Perhaps because of this, as a Bandeirante, or an explorer/settler, conquering the unexplored vastness of the country's fascinating past, Uys has produced a fascinating, cinematographic and ground breaking piece of work. The fact that he is not Brazilian and that he wrote this book in English has allowed for a lightness and for a creativity that one normally does not find in similar books written in Portuguese by Brazilian authors. Uys’ historical novel is undoubtedly a trustful and enjoyable portal for anyone - beginner or advanced - seeking to understand Brazil and to know its past. Brazil is also a great read for those who simply want to enjoy a great book and I can see it becoming a top rated TV series. I hope it does. Anyhow, this is a definite five star book!
April 27, 2011
I immensely enjoyed reading this narrative on the Kindle edition, from which it is possible to connect on WiFi to the author's Illustrated Guide to the novel. Although I initially could not find the genealogies of the Cavalcanti and da Silva families that had been in front and end pages of the hardcover edition, they are also in the online Illustrated Guide. The narrative's effect on me was almost always compelling except occasional passages about the Paraguayan War and the late twentieth century, where the writing seemed like reportage or newsy, respectively. The story runs 800- to 1000-pages, so these two negatives are a drop in the ocean. Across the pages tread tribes of Indians, bandeirantes, and settlers who made Brazilian history; their conflicts and compromises arise around every bend of the story; some spun dreams of emeralds, gold, and diamonds while others converted vast lands for sugar and coffee and enslaved others to labor there. The thread holding five-hundred years of Brazilian history together is Time, how time made a difference for good and/or ill in the lives and fortunes of those who lived in or came to Brazil and in the geography of rugged land. This novel is a chronology of the big melting pot of Brazil, depicting the feats and adventures, the romances and enterprises of fictional or historical descendants of all who live(d) in that vast country from the time of the indigenous peoples into the age of European exploration and discovery, through the nineteenth-century's struggle for independence, and to the dawn of the twenty-first century.
September 6, 2025
What a journey! Brazil spans just over 500 years and has given me a really interesting oversight of the history of the country. I found myself engaged throughout, and I didn’t really want it to end. It made me sad, angry, and a little confused (thank goodness for the maps and family trees). But it has led to many interesting conversations and I’m all the more excited to learn about this part of the world.
Brazil was a surprising op shop find that I couldn’t pass up given how many special Brazilian people I have in my life, my Portuguese language journey and my year in Lisbon. This was a hefty book but six months of my life well spent!
Brazil was a surprising op shop find that I couldn’t pass up given how many special Brazilian people I have in my life, my Portuguese language journey and my year in Lisbon. This was a hefty book but six months of my life well spent!
August 27, 2013
I received Brazil as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Admittedly, I'm a fan of huge, sweeping historical epics that can double as doorstops, so it came as no surprise that I loved Brazil.
Uys masterfully weaves the story of Brazil told through the points of view of several families over 500+ years. Beginning just before the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century and concluding with an afterword at the turn of the 21st, he effectively weaves together the story of Brazil's diverse population over half a millennium.
The narrative, particularly towards the beginning is at times brutal, but incredibly real. From the graphic descriptions to the sheer size, Brazil is not an easy read, but it is a rewarding one, particularly for fans of Michener and Rutherfurd.
Highly recommended.
Admittedly, I'm a fan of huge, sweeping historical epics that can double as doorstops, so it came as no surprise that I loved Brazil.
Uys masterfully weaves the story of Brazil told through the points of view of several families over 500+ years. Beginning just before the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century and concluding with an afterword at the turn of the 21st, he effectively weaves together the story of Brazil's diverse population over half a millennium.
The narrative, particularly towards the beginning is at times brutal, but incredibly real. From the graphic descriptions to the sheer size, Brazil is not an easy read, but it is a rewarding one, particularly for fans of Michener and Rutherfurd.
Highly recommended.
August 28, 2010
This book desereves four stars except that the writing style fluctuated so much that as you were reading you hit dry patches that were really hard to get through. This book did help me to understand the culture a bit more. Given that it is a fiction novel--the author/reporter did well in capturing moments of the complex history and culture of Brazil.
June 1, 2009
Brazil is a huge book of massive proportions a truly epic adventure I would highly recommend not only as guide and history of a massive country but a sad reflection of what the conquerors from Portugal did to the indigineous tribes and land.
I regard this as a must for reading
Stan
I regard this as a must for reading
Stan
September 15, 2014
It took Errol Lincoln Uys 5 years to write Brazil and I was afraid it would take me that long to read it!Brazil is a 700+ page heavily researched historical fiction.It covers a 500 year span and introduces us to many different generations,characters and locations.Setting the scene and portraying the characters for each of these was boring at times and made the book drag on.The novel opens with a Brazilian Indian boy named Aruana before the Portuguese settlers arrive and ends with one of my favorite characters,Bruno Salgado at the 500 year commemoration mass to celebrate the landing of the Portuguese and to remember the Indians and Africans who suffered for it.I thought I would be glad to finally finish this novel but I was truly sad to read the last page and say goodbye to the families and stories of Brazil and all the memorable characters.This is definitely a novel worth reading.
March 30, 2019
Halfway through, I gave up. I've spent many evenings and weekends almost constantly reading, mouth wide open (hence the 4 stars, because of the concept and the writing skills of the author). Gradually, continuing became a task though, "come on, only 400 pages to go", which became too heavy. There were so many other books screaming for attention, I guess you know what I mean. I'm glad with what I've learned about the country, its people and its history. What I learned about colonization in general disgusted me so much that perhaps that was the main reason to give up. Why is man such a filthy beast?
July 11, 2017
Brazil is amazing. I learned an incredible amount of history and traveling through Brazil. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for the book. It's a long book, but good.
November 6, 2016
Sijal Adnani
7th Grade
Book: Brazil
The nonfiction book "Brazil" written by a talented but an unknown author. It is an informative book about the magnificent country of Brazil, the people, climate, animals, tourism, history, and much more. This book explains in detail all the information a person needs to know to obtain a good understanding of Brazil'. In addition, the book also includes a good number of interesting and colorful pictures and fun facts about each topic. Firstly, the book starts off with an overview of Brazil and gives the location details as part of South America. Then it moves to describe it is people and diversity of the population there. The book also gives a good but quick overview of the goods and services and a brief summary of the economy, which is one of the fastest growing economies. The book also describes, in detail, some of the many things Brazil provides to the world such as iron ore, gold, uranium, diamonds, coffee beans, soybeans, sugarcane, and orange juice. On the other hand, we also learn that one of the most important parts of the economy is the tourism because Brazil's income from tourism each year is about $6.6 billion. We also read about how Brazilians get their energy, and that since 2006 Brazil no longer need to import oil from other countries. This is because 85 percent of their energy is renewable, some of the examples are sunlight and water. Then, the author goes into more details about the history, and the wonderful things they have such as the amazing Amazon forest, "Christ the Redeemer, beautiful beaches, and eve, the Iguaçu Falls. Later on, the author takes the readers into each part of its history and explains who first discovered Brazil and describes the various phases with Indigenous People and The Age of Exploration. Finally, we see the different arts and entertainment available there from sport to the famous Carnivals, which is the biggest holiday in Brazil. As one can see, Brazil is truly an amazing place, which an interesting background.
The most interesting part of the book for me was actually the last few pages and section, which are focused on Brazil's famous and popular sports. The reader learns that Brazilians are not only good at many sports but also they really enjoy them. One of these sports is "capoeira", Brazilian martial arts that combine music and dance. This art is a mixture of Portuguese, African, and Indigenous cultures. We also learn that Brazilians are good in Volleyball. I enjoyed learning about all these sports, however the most exciting part for me was, of course, the soccer. As a big fan and a soccer player, I knew that Brazil is one of the best countries when it comes to Soccer with many strong soccer teams for so many years. I enjoyed reading about all the famous previous and current teams as well as the famous players. So, it was fun to see the names and photos of few of these great teams and players in this book.
I would recommend this book to every 6th and 7th grader, especially those who like Travel books and books about different countries and cultures. This book could be could be a good reference for writing or researching for social study classes for middle school or someone planning to visit and explore Brazil. However, "Brazil" can also be good for other readers who are just interested in finding out about Latin America major countries. It is a short and fun book to read and includes fun educational photos as well as helpful maps that help make the readers feel he is right there touring and exploring the country. Furthermore, it contains interesting facts, and it is easy to read and understand . On the other hand, I would not recommend this book to for someone who is looking for in-depth details for research, as it highlights only the important information for each subject.
7th Grade
Book: Brazil
The nonfiction book "Brazil" written by a talented but an unknown author. It is an informative book about the magnificent country of Brazil, the people, climate, animals, tourism, history, and much more. This book explains in detail all the information a person needs to know to obtain a good understanding of Brazil'. In addition, the book also includes a good number of interesting and colorful pictures and fun facts about each topic. Firstly, the book starts off with an overview of Brazil and gives the location details as part of South America. Then it moves to describe it is people and diversity of the population there. The book also gives a good but quick overview of the goods and services and a brief summary of the economy, which is one of the fastest growing economies. The book also describes, in detail, some of the many things Brazil provides to the world such as iron ore, gold, uranium, diamonds, coffee beans, soybeans, sugarcane, and orange juice. On the other hand, we also learn that one of the most important parts of the economy is the tourism because Brazil's income from tourism each year is about $6.6 billion. We also read about how Brazilians get their energy, and that since 2006 Brazil no longer need to import oil from other countries. This is because 85 percent of their energy is renewable, some of the examples are sunlight and water. Then, the author goes into more details about the history, and the wonderful things they have such as the amazing Amazon forest, "Christ the Redeemer, beautiful beaches, and eve, the Iguaçu Falls. Later on, the author takes the readers into each part of its history and explains who first discovered Brazil and describes the various phases with Indigenous People and The Age of Exploration. Finally, we see the different arts and entertainment available there from sport to the famous Carnivals, which is the biggest holiday in Brazil. As one can see, Brazil is truly an amazing place, which an interesting background.
The most interesting part of the book for me was actually the last few pages and section, which are focused on Brazil's famous and popular sports. The reader learns that Brazilians are not only good at many sports but also they really enjoy them. One of these sports is "capoeira", Brazilian martial arts that combine music and dance. This art is a mixture of Portuguese, African, and Indigenous cultures. We also learn that Brazilians are good in Volleyball. I enjoyed learning about all these sports, however the most exciting part for me was, of course, the soccer. As a big fan and a soccer player, I knew that Brazil is one of the best countries when it comes to Soccer with many strong soccer teams for so many years. I enjoyed reading about all the famous previous and current teams as well as the famous players. So, it was fun to see the names and photos of few of these great teams and players in this book.
I would recommend this book to every 6th and 7th grader, especially those who like Travel books and books about different countries and cultures. This book could be could be a good reference for writing or researching for social study classes for middle school or someone planning to visit and explore Brazil. However, "Brazil" can also be good for other readers who are just interested in finding out about Latin America major countries. It is a short and fun book to read and includes fun educational photos as well as helpful maps that help make the readers feel he is right there touring and exploring the country. Furthermore, it contains interesting facts, and it is easy to read and understand . On the other hand, I would not recommend this book to for someone who is looking for in-depth details for research, as it highlights only the important information for each subject.
February 21, 2016
This is an excellent historical account of the settlement of Brazil. Starting in the 17th century depicting the arrival of the Portuguese and the reaction of the indigent peoples. It follows 2 families basically throughout this period and then down through to the modern times. At times it is fun to read but at others a tragedy in regards to the greed of the Portuguese for gold, land development not always welcomed by the climate or the native tribes, the enslavement of the many poorer and indigent peoples that worked in the cane fields to produce sugar for Europe. The influx of diseases from the Europeans which wiped out many of the indigent populations. During the time period, there are many different government regimes and dissension among the inhabitants as more European immigrants, frequently with the indigent women or slaves from Africa, had children who then became native Brazilians.
It took me a little longer to read as I looked up in other resources, references to events mentioned in the book for further understanding of terms and depictions.
I hadn't previously read about the history of Brazil but found it an excellent book, well researched with a good perspective on the types of peoples who settled this large country and often gave their lives in its defense.
It took me a little longer to read as I looked up in other resources, references to events mentioned in the book for further understanding of terms and depictions.
I hadn't previously read about the history of Brazil but found it an excellent book, well researched with a good perspective on the types of peoples who settled this large country and often gave their lives in its defense.
September 27, 2015
I received this book from a Goodreads give away quite some time ago... I was super excited to read it since this was a new area of culture that I had not explored from a historical fiction standpoint. The book is quite large (772pgs) and unfortunately came at a time where I was unable to spend much time on it and it is not an easy book to take on the go! I tried in vain to find it from the library either on CD or via Kindle (for free) but did not have luck. The only books I have been able to read this last year have been those I could listen to... and I have missed the feel of a good book in my hands! I have finally been able to complete this incredible story the spans the course of 500 years and is an incredible journey through the course of this country's history. I commend the author for the time and effort required to research and write such a story! The maps, glossary and family trees were a welcome addition to the book. This book can be daunting but worth the effort even if it takes many months to complete! Thank you to Mr. Uys for sharing this history with us.
September 11, 2013
One of the things I find extremely interesting about Brazil is that the different races (indigenous natives, European colonizers, and African slaves) seem to get along better then the corresponding groups in North America - United States and Caribbean islands are obvious examples with significant African slave populations.
Brazil by Errol Lincoln Uys, a massive historical novel (almost 800 pages of small font) begins to answer the question ... why such different outcomes in similar plantation-based economies? Even though I only made it half-way through the book to the mid-18 century, I believe the those first two-and-a-half centuries lay the foundation for the future, and this saga of the second biggest country in the western hemisphere brings the history to life.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway on August 16, 2013. I received the book August 21, 2013.
Brazil by Errol Lincoln Uys, a massive historical novel (almost 800 pages of small font) begins to answer the question ... why such different outcomes in similar plantation-based economies? Even though I only made it half-way through the book to the mid-18 century, I believe the those first two-and-a-half centuries lay the foundation for the future, and this saga of the second biggest country in the western hemisphere brings the history to life.
For more see: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2013/0...
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway on August 16, 2013. I received the book August 21, 2013.
March 14, 2010
Actually, I only got to page 700 (of 1000), but not because I wasn't enjoying it! I had already renewed it 3 times and finally had to acknowledge that once the holidays were over my schedule would not allow me to finish this interesting novel in a reasonable time frame. I enjoyed this book WAY more than the one Michener novel (Caribbean) I tried to read. Uys humanizes historical figures and events plausibly and provides a wealth of historical information. I wish that I had started this book well before visiting Brazil, as there was a great deal I learned about the country's history. It may be telling, though, that I was so intrigued by the people-watching while there, that I didn't end up bringing this book to the beach. This is a great book to take one if you've been laid up and have lots of time to read.
September 15, 2013
This was a vivid, rich read that presented a detailed image of Brazil and its culture.
The intricacy of the book, and how details were fine-tuned to a sensory experience often made the plot blur or even just a bit slaggy to read but overall the energy and vivaciousness of the book made it worth it. And it has a bird on the cover!
I was very excited to receive this book from Goodreads First Reads and it made me so happy to receive a message from the author - the entire reading experience was so thoughtful and inspiring. Recommend to all those who love historical fiction, and anyone after an engrossing read.
The intricacy of the book, and how details were fine-tuned to a sensory experience often made the plot blur or even just a bit slaggy to read but overall the energy and vivaciousness of the book made it worth it. And it has a bird on the cover!
I was very excited to receive this book from Goodreads First Reads and it made me so happy to receive a message from the author - the entire reading experience was so thoughtful and inspiring. Recommend to all those who love historical fiction, and anyone after an engrossing read.
August 30, 2016
Requested this after I finished reading a mystery novel set partially in Brazil. Some of the geographical and societal references interested me. I did enjoy the book, though it took some months to get through it off and on. There are some dry descriptive and historical passages to muddle through, but I enjoyed the overall story and most of the characterizations. It is rather an epic, which I do enjoy occasionally. It is a welcome relief to have a lengthy standalone rather than having to get pulled into a massive trilogy or ongoing series.
If you like historical fiction and full bodied novels this is recommended.
If you like historical fiction and full bodied novels this is recommended.
February 10, 2016
I started this at the wrong time of year. I think it would have been better if I had time to just sink into it. There were parts I really enjoyed and other parts that read like a text book. I got to like the characters and then it would jump ahead to another part of history and I had to learn new people and try to remember where some of the old characters fit in. I may try this again down the road.
January 23, 2012
I must admit that I am finding this to be a challenging read. I was reading it on my Kindle around the pool on a recent vacation and it would be easier having a wall map of Brazil handy for reference ( I know there is an online aid available but that's not convenient on vacation without easy wifi access). I may finish this book at some point but not right now.
April 28, 2011
Superbe fresque de la colonization du brésil jusqu'à nos jours, à travers l'épopée de quelques grandes familles brésiliennes, de 1500 à nos jours... Parfois un peu dur à suivre, mais très instructif et parfaitement documenté.
November 14, 2011
This tome has its dry sections (the Paraguay War being the biggest), but it is, overall, a good to excellent series of snapshots of the country’s development, which does a great job of focusing on social issues as well as covering the larger context.
April 6, 2012
Stunning historical epic in the same vein as James Clavell's series on Japan. Fabulous, sprawling story with multiple characters and fascinating information on the history of this amazing country, from the Original Amazonian tribes to the modern day.
July 4, 2019
Sometimes difficult to get through the ponderous amounts of historical data in this 1,000-page-long saga. Would have preferred more character development. In the final analysis, though, an enlightening read!
September 6, 2015
Wow, just wow! I recieved this book through GoodReads First Reads. Amazing read. A true saga, very detailed without being boring. I read this in over a month, it was easy to jump right back into the story...what an amazing author. On my Top Shelf.
December 5, 2007
Great introduction to Brazilian history for my trip to Brazil.
December 21, 2009
One of my all time favourites reads Highly readable lots of information on history, geography, demographics, and the people>Make a good Movie
September 19, 2012
Fascinating story about the aboriginal peoples of the Amazon in Brazil. It is definitely a 4-star book.
August 31, 2017
was a really fun read IF you like history
February 16, 2015
Excellent read with a mix of fact and fiction.
January 29, 2014
heavy but worth it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews