Lula and His Politics of Cunning: From Metalworker to President of Brazil

by John D. French

Known around the world simply as Lula, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva was born in 1945 to illiterate parents who migrated to industrializing Sao Paulo. He learned to read at ten years of age, left school at fourteen, became a skilled metalworker, rose to union leadership, helped end a military dictatorship—and in 2003 became the thirty-fifth president of Brazil. During his administration, Lula led his country through reforms that lifted tens of millions out of poverty. Here, John D. French, one of the foremost historians of Brazil, provides the first critical biography of the leader whom even his political opponents see as strikingly charismatic, humorous, and endearing. Interweaving an intimate and colorful story of Lula's life—his love for home, soccer, factory floor, and union hall—with an analysis of large-scale forces, French argues that Lula was uniquely equipped to influence the authoritarian structures of power in this developing nation. His cunning capacity to speak with, not at, people and to create shared political meaning was fundamental to his political triumphs. After Lula left office, his opponents convicted and incarcerated him on charges of money laundering and corruption—but his immense army of voters celebrated his recent release from jail, insisting that he is the victim of a right-wing political ambush. The story of Lula is not over.

Genres: Politics, Brazil, Biography, Nonfiction, History

511 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2020

Reviews

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth look at the cultural, social, institutional, and personal forces that shaped the life and career of former Brazilian President Lula. For someone not an expert in Brazilian politics or labor history, the detail was overwhelming at times, but what emerges is the portrait of a man whose "cunning" was to find common ground and forge relationships with everyone (even his enemies) and use the relationships and methodical planning to get power and get ahead. The details of Brazilian working class life and the contrast with his brother Frei Chico are particularly interesting.

**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rise of former Brazilian President Lula is a fascinating read. The author overexplained some parts about the politics in Brazil, but other than that, it was a really good read. Lula was able to go from being born to illiterate parents to becoming President of Brazil. This is admirable, but even more so is his ability to listen to even those that were his enemies and find common ground to work together on. This is something that is currently lacking in politics, so it really stood out to me.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book 0n Lula, a little heavy on the biographical details for those just wanting a basic understanding of Lulismo, but which I'm sure people looking to do a deeper dive will appreciate.