When We Sold God's Eye: Diamonds, Murder, and a Clash of Worlds in the Amazon

by Alex Cuadros

The unbelievable true story of the Cinta Larga, a tribe first contacted by Westerners in the 1960s, who came to run an illegal diamond mine in the depths of the Amazon.

Growing up in a remote corner of the world’s largest rainforest, Pio, Maria, and Oita learned to hunt wild pigs and tapirs, gathering Brazil nuts and açaí berries from centuries-old trees. Then the first highway pierced through, ranchers, loggers, and prospectors invaded, and they lost their families to terrible new weapons and diseases. Pushed by the government to assimilate, they struggled to figure out their new, capitalist reality, discovering its wonders as well as its horrors. They ended up forging an uneasy symbiosis with their white antagonists—until decades of suppressed trauma erupted into a massacre, an act of retribution that made headlines across the globe.  Based on six years of immersive reporting and research, WHEN WE SOLD GOD’S EYE tells a unique kind of adventure story, one that begins with a river journey by Teddy Roosevelt and ends with smugglers from Antwerp and New York City’s Diamond District. It’s a story of survival against all odds; of the temptations of wealth and the dream of prosperity; of a vital ecosystem threatened by the hunger for natural resources; of genocide and revenge. It’s a story as old as the first European encounters with Indigenous people, playing out in the present day. But most of all, it’s about a few startlingly clever individuals and their power to adapt and even thrive in the most unlikely circumstances.

 

 

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, True Crime, Crime, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only did this book have a title that kept me guessing, but it also had twists that I’d normally expect from a fiction novel. Congratulations, Alex Cuadros!

Pio, Maria, and Oita belong to the Cinta Larga, an Indigenous tribe of under 2000 people, who occupy a remote part of the jungle close to Bolivia. They’ve seen firsthand the damage done when Westerners in the 1960s infiltrated their territory, greedy for natural resources. They’ve also seen a dream of riches grow in the eyes of their people and what it’s driven them to do.

A little dry in parts, the book still pulled me in and held my interest because of the different POVs, the parallels to what I’d learned about North American Indigenous people and the twists I didn’t see coming. I ran the gamut of emotions reading this one!

Years of research and a compelling story make this one you'll not want to miss.

I was gifted this copy by Hachette and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[jq · Rating 5 out of 5]

almost unbelievable how well written this is - how difficult it is to arrange so much information, so many bits and pieces and overlapping timelines and contradictory accounts, into a narrative that can be read intuitively and cohesively, that ultimately always centers the cinta larga individuals - pio, oita, maria, pichuvy, roberto carlos, tataré, and more - and their voices. those prospectors deserved what they got, but what's much harder to say is what the cinta larga are supposed to do at all, when their world has been violently stolen from them and there are so few choices in front of them; there is no going back and there's not really much to go forward with, only daily life, and the people around us. june jordan: "some of us did not die"

[Izzy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this don’t come around like this very often. It reads like a novel following an unbelievable story of an indigenous tribe coming into contact with the sharpest and cruelest edge of capitalism - the diamond trade. These are the bones of it - but the book is full of the details that make it read like a novel- full of humanity for the characters and unbelievable details.

[Rob Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the history of the world, when indigenous people are encountered by "civilized" people something almost always has to give and it usually doesn't go well for the indigenous. That's as true in late 20th century Brazil as it has been in what is now the United States starting in the 1600s and continuing until today, as well as in much of Africa and numerous other places.

The "uncivilized" Cinta Larga tribe of the remote Amazon basin in western Brazil fell victim to this phenomenon as the Brazilian government sought, in the late 1960s, to extend economic development into the area the Cinta Larga inhabited. The government was not able to control the growth and development in the region as profiteers first began decimating the forest to harvest mahogany and other hardwoods, then sought riches through diamond mining. Government agencies established to support the rights of the Cinta Larga were no match for the profiteers.

The Cinta Larga tried through legal means, working with government agencies, and extra-legal means, through relationships with the people decimating their land, to adapt to and benefit from these forces beyond their control. Now, almost 60 years later, much of their culture and most of their former way of life is lost.

This book tells the story of how all that unfolded. Full of a fascinating cast of characters both indigenous and "white" the same mistakes were made by both sides as have been made for centuries. Development and profit ruled the day.

As other reviewers have noted, what transpired is a bit hard to follow at times, but in the end this book is well worth reading. And, there is at least a small bit of hope for the future, as the book says new government policies now will leave the few remaining "uncontacted" native peoples to live as they have been and are living today.

[Amy Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm endlessly fascinated by uncontacted tribes in the modern world. Had to constantly remind myself in the first half of this story that it was essentially taking place at the time as man was walking on the moon. Also, sadly, a reminder of the destructive force of human greed and how centuries of cultural priorities can structure can morph in an instant.

[Will Beyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ripping story of our times, wild and eye opening. Should be optioned for a movie or mini series asap if you ask me

[Ryan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When We Sold God’s Eye

46/2025.

A horrific crime is committed in the Amazon; but which is it: the massacre of illegal miners or the invasion of these priceless lands and ancient communities by the same miners? Further, what culpability can people who literally grew up in a pre contact civilization really have in a system refined by jurisprudence over centuries?

This beautifully written book traces the first contact of a tribe in the Amazon and its disastrous consequences for nearly all involved. The fact that it’s set in the late 20th century is almost shocking: going from a precontact hunter-gatherer to a person accustomed to modern conveniences to a temporary millionaire caught in the resource trap in one lifetime is an unlikely arc, but one that this band of dozens of men and women have lived through. Surreal.

The social changes of a family-clan polity with inter-clan relations, a retributive justice scheme, and an easy way of thinking about murder to something nominally governed by western jurisprudence and values was as revolutionary as any change a group of people have ever had to experience. It’s amazing it’s not been more of a disaster. What’s left is to do right by these people and give them real agency and power, for example with real wealth in exchange for safeguarding the remaining intact portions of the Amazon. Perhaps even with a new articulation of what sovereignty can mean for a group like this.

I think in the US most people have an understanding that European contact led to massive death of indigenous peoples, but we don’t learn that this genocide continued across the Americas for centuries, and systemic injustices continue to prey upon these groups. Measles decimated the group here - the Cinta Larga - around the time men were walking on the moon. Slavery of their people on the Amazon frontier was tolerated by those who saw pacification and development as twin goals of taming the jungle.

The parallels to America’s own westward expansion are obvious but this book reframes it to something more modern and relatable, but no less awful. The Brazilian state, going back as far as the military dictatorship, did as poor a job as most countries in helping indigenous folks, who had no lobby and weren’t a constituency that could achieve their outcomes through democratic means.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew nothing about this topic, and came away feeling like it had expanded my knowledge greatly about Brazil and its Indigenous people. The amount of reporting the author put into the book is also really impressive.

[Gi V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic, devastating story of brutal, violent, greed-based colonization in recent/living times.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting read. I really enjoyed delving into the Amazon and learning about Indigenous culture. This even read like fiction, focusing on a set of characters for those who maybe intimidated by nonfiction.

Thank you for the complimentary copy Grand Central Publishing.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. A necessary insight into what exactly making contact with an Amazonian tribe means and a fantastic telling of how the "Brazilian state made Indians into poor people."

[Niamh Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First five star book! Everyone should read it

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding non-fiction. This tribe's (Cinta Larga) and this individual prime (Poi) are revealed in the REAL world as they intersect with those who want substances from their very DIFFERENT Amazon rain forest varying "homes" and moving village(one longhouse) locations.

It's not for the faint of heart to read. These people and these tribes that are indigenous to the region in Brazil detailed have culture/custom, very life perceptions entirely varied from moderns. Cannibalism is just the merest fly speck (or bite) of difference. Very worth the read. Specifically on the conceptual ideas of "ownership" and motive.

Highly recommend to those who think advanced human civilization is a negative.

Added later: This read is natural world gasping to enthralling but I think I may need to warn AGAIN. These witness proclivities and sensibilities AND DEEDS are not in any path inoffensive to fragile or theory prone sensibilities. Think more of Deadwood or worst phases of the American Wild West to a third or fourth degree. Tribes being filled with taboos about using real names or even being called poorly to address or manners. Plus feasts going from fun to fatal at the drop of a machete. And women have nearly no directive /authority except possibly in making the ti drink. There is a closely followed story of one woman of the tribe Cinta Larga and her outcomes over time in great detail. None of which had any choices to marriage or not. Or to whom. Mostly women are commodities. Exactly like commodities. Needed, traded, stolen etc. Reality of Amazon rainforest life even during the latter 20th century and NOW into this century will probably not jive with your learned or educated history theories. So be warned. Disease too- myriad of ways.

There are actually MORE numbers in population now than there were before the "outsiders" ever came.

[Mario Ferrari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating and Heartbreaking Exploration of Power and Survival

“When We Sold God’s Eye” by Alex Cuadros is a masterfully written and deeply compelling account of the Cinta Larga people and their turbulent history with the outside world. The book expertly weaves investigative journalism with vivid storytelling, shedding light on the clash between Indigenous survival and the relentless pursuit of wealth in the Amazon.

Cuadros presents a gripping narrative that follows individuals caught between tradition and the encroaching forces of modern capitalism, particularly through the illicit diamond trade. His ability to humanize these struggles while maintaining a broader analysis of historical and political forces makes this book both intimate and expansive.

What stands out is Cuadros’ meticulous research and immersive storytelling, making the reader feel the weight of every decision and consequence. The book is as educational as it is emotional, offering a sobering look at the unintended consequences of globalization and resource exploitation.

For anyone interested in Indigenous rights, environmental justice, or simply a powerful, real-life story of resilience and tragedy, When We Sold God’s Eye is a must-read. Highly recommended.

[Jiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important story of survival, violence, and exploitation in the world’s largest, most diverse, and likely most under-siege rainforest.

The narrative is organized into three main sections. The first section chronicles significant and tragic instances of the Cinta Larga’s early contact with outsiders, tracing back to the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition of 1914. The second section details the onset of the hardwood trade in relation to ongoing agricultural expansion and as a prospective solution to the Cinta Larga’s immediate concerns (i.e., material deprivation, health crises). The third section describes the development of the diamond mine on the Stream of the Blackflies and how the ensuing tensions and hostilities—combined with long-standing and deep-rooted trauma—culminated in the April 2004 massacre of 29 prospectors.

Among other things, it was deeply distressing to read about the experiences of women and girls, such as Maria Beleza, Alzira, and Alba Gomes.

[Julie Capell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-depth examination of the experience of one specific tribe of indigenous Amazonians called the "Cinta Larga" from the time in the 1960s when they first came into contact with whites, to the present day. The book tells the story of how, over the course of one generation, the Cinta Larga went from living in the jungle with no idea about electricity or clothing or money, to having their lands invaded and plundered for resources valued by the outside world--primarily timber and diamonds.

It's a harrowing, sad, and ultimately frustrating story of how extractive capitalism and greed were used once again as an excuse to deny indigenous rights and colonialize native peoples nearly to the point of disappearance.

[I listened to this as an audio book read by the author. He was easy to listen to and I liked being able to hear the names of people and places pronounced correctly.]

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well researched book on how the Indeginst population of Brazil was manipulated, corrupted, and cheated by white people and other tribes. It also explains the culture of the Cinta Larga people. The true story spans the from harvesting hardwoods to diamonds, both from the viewpoints of the Indians and Government. It also brings up the corruption of the government and lack of helping indigenous people. I did, however, have a little trouble following the timeline.

Recommend for those who want to know more of the history of the Amazon and its people.

For transparency, I received a free copy from the Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the publisher and author for this book and being able to learn more about this part of Amazon history.

[Steve Wegman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of contact with a native Amazonian group, the Cinta Larga, from the uncertainty and diseases of first contact to the exploitation of hardwoods and later, diamonds. This is an important, but sad story. Much like the destruction of North American native culture, it's happening in the Amazon today. The people on the frontier are the same desperate, lawless types as came into North America hundreds of years ago, only today the machinery is more damaging and the draw away from traditional culture even more powerful.

Unfortunately, the book is kind of hard to follow. It jumps around and I couldn't keep straight who was on which side and at what location.

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The process of colonization is something I usually think of as mired in the distant past, and documented (poorly) by the victors. But in this book, you see a 20th century version of it firsthand, through the eyes of diamond prospectors and idealistic government workers and most importantly a handful of Indigenous Cinta Larga men and women who are the real “main characters” of a nonfiction book that reads like a novel. It’s as brutal and tragic as you might expect, but also exciting, complicated, touching and surprising. A page turner and a book that is sure be read for a long time to come

[Izabel | izreadsthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette for this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a great narrative history of the Cinta Larga peoples of Brazil & their involvement in mahogany trade and diamonds. Interesting story of the corruption of the government too! I’d recommend but it, at some points, just felt needlessly long and detailed.

[Richard Kravitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to teach a unit on Diamonds in Africa, so I thought this book might be intersting. It was just so-so. A lot of details on the Indians that was kind of hard to follow. They made a mess of things, as did the Brazilian government, FUNIA. It's sad what happens to these tribes, but that's modernity and the biological imperative at work.

[Christine Cotton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic, well researched but written in a style difficult to follow. The pace is uneven at best sometimes waxing on about details, sometimes going to fast, you lose the points.
A more thorough editing should have corrected the many repetitions.

[Sydney Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book, I had to keep reminding myself that these events were kind of recent (within the last 50-75 years). It’s devastating to hear the stories of these tribes that were destroyed for white man greed.

[Beth Tharp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely read 30%. Just boring

[Annette Dimond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informative and educational. I was hoping for a bit more engaging narrative.

[NonFiction 24/7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most read book. This should be a contender for book of the year.

[kennedy parrish · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ organization was great and it was clearly very well researched, but it took me forever to wade through as i lost interest every 15 pages or so.

[Henri Le Grand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read about such forgotten worlds. Especially if the style of the writer is so "light" and exciting

[me · Rating 4 out of 5]

my heart breaks for Maria belleza

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this and learned a lot about isolated peoples in the Amazon.