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Brazil on the Rise: The Story of a Country Transformed
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304 pages, Hardcover
Published August 31, 2010
44 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Larry Rohter
4 books17 followersWilliam Lawrence Rohter, Jr., known as Larry Rohter, is an American journalist who was a South American bureau chief for The New York Times from 1999 to 2007. Previously, he was Caribbean and Latin American correspondent of the Times from 1994 to 1999. He now writes about cultural topics
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 13, 2011
Larry Rohter is an important figure in American journalism.He is one of the few jounalist for the underground press who made it into the mainstream.In 1970 I decided he was the best writer in America.Find me another journalist who has not made errors of fact or judgement in 40 years.
As it happens I lived in Rio at the same time as Rohter and find it significant that he would invest 15 years as the NYTimes correspondent in Rio.15 Years ago nobody knew or cared about Brazil.
"In 1991 Sting told me in an interview 'The idea that there can be truth in beauty is kind of missing ...but the Brazilians have kept it.'"How many romantics are left in American journalism who are going to pack it up and go to Rio searching for truth and beauty.
Hunter Thompson visited Brazil and if he had been less drunk he might have staid and written this book.
"'Aquela lei nao pegou'",Brazilians will say,which means,"That law did'nt catch on".Rohter here shows perfect pitch for the gap beween American and Brazilian culture.Americans are the only people on earth who obey all traffic laws and Brazilians obey almost none.Americans see something sanctified about not just laws but rules.Brazlians,especially Cariocas were born to run rings aroud rules.
'"The United States has millions of people who are not racist,but it is a racist country.Brazil has millions of people who are racists,but it is not a racist country.'"Rohter is quoting a Brazilian,a sentiment with which he disagrees,but again that is absolutely the way Brazilians see the matter.
On what America and Brazil have in common:"They have carved out identities that stand in apposition to the vast Spanish-speaking mass just beyond their borders.They are also societies whose cornerstone is optimism...a feeling of living in a nation blessed by God,with a unique historical role to play."
For my money,it does not get much better.
As it happens I lived in Rio at the same time as Rohter and find it significant that he would invest 15 years as the NYTimes correspondent in Rio.15 Years ago nobody knew or cared about Brazil.
"In 1991 Sting told me in an interview 'The idea that there can be truth in beauty is kind of missing ...but the Brazilians have kept it.'"How many romantics are left in American journalism who are going to pack it up and go to Rio searching for truth and beauty.
Hunter Thompson visited Brazil and if he had been less drunk he might have staid and written this book.
"'Aquela lei nao pegou'",Brazilians will say,which means,"That law did'nt catch on".Rohter here shows perfect pitch for the gap beween American and Brazilian culture.Americans are the only people on earth who obey all traffic laws and Brazilians obey almost none.Americans see something sanctified about not just laws but rules.Brazlians,especially Cariocas were born to run rings aroud rules.
'"The United States has millions of people who are not racist,but it is a racist country.Brazil has millions of people who are racists,but it is not a racist country.'"Rohter is quoting a Brazilian,a sentiment with which he disagrees,but again that is absolutely the way Brazilians see the matter.
On what America and Brazil have in common:"They have carved out identities that stand in apposition to the vast Spanish-speaking mass just beyond their borders.They are also societies whose cornerstone is optimism...a feeling of living in a nation blessed by God,with a unique historical role to play."
For my money,it does not get much better.
March 1, 2013
I was really surprised with how much I learned from this book, because I was expecting a more "touching of the surface" treatment. But luckily, the New York Times reporter Larry Rohter has been living in Brazil for decades, and is even married to a Brazilian. This is important, because even though he shouldn't be considered as someone with knowledge as the natives, he is part of a big family and through all the relatives of his wife he becomes intrinsically connected to the true Brazil.
'Brazil on the Rise' is easily separated into 10 linearly progressing chapters, and could be read like an afternoon story, or an extension of the Sunday New York Times magazine. And yet, even if written more leisurely at moments, the topics and ideas it treats are not that simplistic. After the author covers the history of Brazil, which is truly fascinating even for people who are intimately knowledgeable about European history, he goes on a cultural escapade to show us why Brazil is the land of "sin and salvation" and how the corrupt practices are a way of life, and everybody has to "help" everybody in order to function in the society. He also covers Brazil's rich tradition in elevating music as a way of life, in a similar way that the French do. The story of how the bossy nova music movement came to be is my favorite part of the book, and even got me into listening to the catchy rhytms.
The second part of the book deals with the important problems that Brazil as a developing superpower needs to deal with: agriculture, energy, the Amazon, and foreign policy. The last one is a 'problem' mainly because Brazil has always had the fame of not being considered "a serious country" according to some, and because of its eternal promise that "the future belongs to Brazil", both of which are very hard on Brazilians' egos and on the politicians.
I found the politics of the book to be fair, even if quite neutral, and very deeply documented. He doesn't just talk of the presidents, but also mentions leaders who go against the current, such as Marina Silva, who was Environment Minister, but had to step down due to differences with Lula.
For me, this book, while unpretentious, truly captures the spirit of Brazil and its people, through the music, through the corrupt practices, the nature, the uncertainty and, obviously, king football! Truly reccomend!
'Brazil on the Rise' is easily separated into 10 linearly progressing chapters, and could be read like an afternoon story, or an extension of the Sunday New York Times magazine. And yet, even if written more leisurely at moments, the topics and ideas it treats are not that simplistic. After the author covers the history of Brazil, which is truly fascinating even for people who are intimately knowledgeable about European history, he goes on a cultural escapade to show us why Brazil is the land of "sin and salvation" and how the corrupt practices are a way of life, and everybody has to "help" everybody in order to function in the society. He also covers Brazil's rich tradition in elevating music as a way of life, in a similar way that the French do. The story of how the bossy nova music movement came to be is my favorite part of the book, and even got me into listening to the catchy rhytms.
The second part of the book deals with the important problems that Brazil as a developing superpower needs to deal with: agriculture, energy, the Amazon, and foreign policy. The last one is a 'problem' mainly because Brazil has always had the fame of not being considered "a serious country" according to some, and because of its eternal promise that "the future belongs to Brazil", both of which are very hard on Brazilians' egos and on the politicians.
I found the politics of the book to be fair, even if quite neutral, and very deeply documented. He doesn't just talk of the presidents, but also mentions leaders who go against the current, such as Marina Silva, who was Environment Minister, but had to step down due to differences with Lula.
For me, this book, while unpretentious, truly captures the spirit of Brazil and its people, through the music, through the corrupt practices, the nature, the uncertainty and, obviously, king football! Truly reccomend!
December 27, 2011
"Good book. Like having a beer with a smart person and them telling you all about their country, from culture to technology. Certainly Brazil has made as many structural changes to their economy as China and India, over the last two decades. It seems those changes are starting to have an impact now, and the push to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, only adds to that. Maybe it is the country of the future now more, the future may be here."
August 25, 2020
Useful primer on Brazilian history and economy.
July 16, 2012
A very interesting book on Brazil by New York Times journalist Larry Rohter who lived in the country for fifteen years.
Professor Marshall C. Eakin has a fascinating Udemy free webcourse, titled Brazil for Beginners at http://www.udemy.com/brazil-for-begin.... Rohter´s book and Eakin´s book almost exactly complement each other. Eakin´s course is strong on Brazil´s history and especially on its 20th century political history, while Rohter´s book skimps on these matters and is stronger on the Brazil that has been developing from 1985 up to the end of Lula´s second presidency. Rohter also provides much needed chapters on Brazilian 20th and 21st century arts and culture (Creativity, Culture and "Cannibalism"), energy and technological development (Industrial Giant, Agricultural Superpower and Energy to Burn: Petroleum, Ethanol, and Hydropower) and (recent) diplomacy, which are practically missing from Eakin´s account. Two of the chapters are highly controversial ones The Myth of a Racial Paradise and The Amazon: Nationalism and Paranoia in the Jungle, which Eakin again glosses over. Thus, Rohter´s book shows why there is so much interest in Brazil and why it is one of the BRIC countries investors and economic and political analysts are so interested in.
Both the book and the course are geared towards the U.S. reader and it is a pity both treat Brazil´s relationship with its latinamerican neighbours so briefly. Some of the chapters merit as little as two stars but most fall between three and four: I would have preferred to give it 3.5 stars.
I highly recommend you read the book and take the web course, in order to develop a more balanced and deeper view of a country well worth studying.
Professor Marshall C. Eakin has a fascinating Udemy free webcourse, titled Brazil for Beginners at http://www.udemy.com/brazil-for-begin.... Rohter´s book and Eakin´s book almost exactly complement each other. Eakin´s course is strong on Brazil´s history and especially on its 20th century political history, while Rohter´s book skimps on these matters and is stronger on the Brazil that has been developing from 1985 up to the end of Lula´s second presidency. Rohter also provides much needed chapters on Brazilian 20th and 21st century arts and culture (Creativity, Culture and "Cannibalism"), energy and technological development (Industrial Giant, Agricultural Superpower and Energy to Burn: Petroleum, Ethanol, and Hydropower) and (recent) diplomacy, which are practically missing from Eakin´s account. Two of the chapters are highly controversial ones The Myth of a Racial Paradise and The Amazon: Nationalism and Paranoia in the Jungle, which Eakin again glosses over. Thus, Rohter´s book shows why there is so much interest in Brazil and why it is one of the BRIC countries investors and economic and political analysts are so interested in.
Both the book and the course are geared towards the U.S. reader and it is a pity both treat Brazil´s relationship with its latinamerican neighbours so briefly. Some of the chapters merit as little as two stars but most fall between three and four: I would have preferred to give it 3.5 stars.
I highly recommend you read the book and take the web course, in order to develop a more balanced and deeper view of a country well worth studying.
August 27, 2011
A good primer on recent Brazilian history & contemporary culture. Divided into chapters on specific topics: politics, energy, race, etc.; the division helps you find what you want to know quickly, and yet also points out how the book is essentially unfocused and themeless, unless you count boilerplate like "Country X is a country of change" as a theme. So it's worthwhile for facts about Brazil but only a primer for something else more focused.
March 9, 2011
His sentences are a little too long and convoluted sometimes (making a few paragraphs require a second or third read through) but its a very completely (and still pretty current) guide to Brazil -- I can't speak on its accuracy, but it seems very well informed (and aside from the long sentences was an engaging read!)
April 15, 2013
Informative, detailed, and unbiased. Great read if you're about to visit Brazil or want to find out more about the Sleeping Giant. Comprehensive primer on economy, culture, and politics.
September 28, 2014
Really great information. I feel like it have a greater knowledge of the country and its culture.
January 11, 2021
I picked up this book at a random second hand shop thinking it was unlikely that I would actually ever pick it up. I’m so happy I did though. As someone who is Brazilian but who grew up in the US, this book was a fundamental step into the history and culture of a side of myself I’ve only just attempted to reconnect with. It is an old text, short as well, so it’s contents were predictably condensed in some areas and out of date in others. I did only skim the chapters on the politics of the late 2010s but I particularly enjoyed the chapters on the lifestyle, culture, and race. The text read like fiction and it’s palatability was such a pleasant surprise.
As people who are mixed or members of any given diaspora it’s easy to feel alienated from the group culture because you don’t look the part or live in the country or interact much with others in the demographic. But such a pleasant part of reading this text was the way it not only introduced me to exciting aspects of the culture I hadn’t been aware of, but it also showed me what parts of my experience were actually rooted in cultural values and practice. Reading the bits about how passionate Brazilians are about Santos-Dumont and the Bis-14 actually made me laugh out loud because I have a small model of the bis on my bookshelf. It’s always wonderful to rediscover the parts of your history that you’ve felt cut off from. It’s like meeting an old friend.
As people who are mixed or members of any given diaspora it’s easy to feel alienated from the group culture because you don’t look the part or live in the country or interact much with others in the demographic. But such a pleasant part of reading this text was the way it not only introduced me to exciting aspects of the culture I hadn’t been aware of, but it also showed me what parts of my experience were actually rooted in cultural values and practice. Reading the bits about how passionate Brazilians are about Santos-Dumont and the Bis-14 actually made me laugh out loud because I have a small model of the bis on my bookshelf. It’s always wonderful to rediscover the parts of your history that you’ve felt cut off from. It’s like meeting an old friend.
August 25, 2024
This is so interesting and basically the exact kind of book I want to read about every country.
He is a little bit male, though.
And - he needs to take Brazilians to task more about the shtshow of Amazon deforestation, and maybe not advocate for damming quite so many rivers.
The history and the politics were clearly explained. The chapter on cultural cannibalism was fantastic.
I have wanted to go to Brazil for 25+ years; why don't I go there??
He is a little bit male, though.
And - he needs to take Brazilians to task more about the shtshow of Amazon deforestation, and maybe not advocate for damming quite so many rivers.
The history and the politics were clearly explained. The chapter on cultural cannibalism was fantastic.
I have wanted to go to Brazil for 25+ years; why don't I go there??
June 14, 2024
3.5 /// Though with a perspective occasionally doused in paternalistic or moderate views, this made for an unexpectedly entertaining introduction to the history, economics, and politics of the country, with amusingly accurate predictions about the ascendancy of Temer and the return of Lula in the final chapter.
May 30, 2018
Informative but not riveting
I read this book because I went there for work. Wouldn't read it otherwise. You can find most of this information online.
I read this book because I went there for work. Wouldn't read it otherwise. You can find most of this information online.
June 26, 2019
A good introduction to a complex country. The chapters about culture are especially interesting! 9/10
Read
June 7, 2021A fairly dated (that ethanol section felt especially old) but informative introduction to one of the largest nations in the world.
April 4, 2023
The predictions were a bit off and populism in Latin America is not a hard prediction to make. I liked the first couple chapters but the rest were a bit dull.
December 27, 2016
I read this book for a summer reading program at the library. I would have never picked it up otherwise. I am glad I did. It is definitely not the type of subject matter I choose for interest as I am not into politics or economics at all, but I still enjoyed reading all the info here, and learning about topics I don't usually particularly enjoy. It is rewarding to read something totally out of what is normal for me. Had it been more of an interest of mine, I would have probably given it another star, though, because it is definitely well written and thorough.
The most troubling aspects for me in the book were the situations with the loss of the Amazon rainforest due to development, and awful, abusive labor situations that can exist in some parts of Brazil. I truly hope that both of these situations change soon. Perhaps if Brazil can attribute a large portion of its income to ecotourism in the future, it will have the incentive to preserve this resource at all costs. Perhaps other nations and international politics will facilitate ecotourism into Brazil and other similar areas.
It is interesting to learn of the culture of Brazil (the importance of Carnival, the beach, soccer) and realize that I really have no desire to become interested in these things despite a keen interest in Brazil and the rainforest throughout my earlier life. I also would not fit in with the idea of bending rules for some people and not others, and rubbing elbows with people in order to get what you want. Or, for that matter, tolerating political scandals - forgiving them and letting the same politicians back in office ten years later, no matter how bad the previous behavior. Indeed, this book was eye-opening, not just because of Brazilian culture, but foreign culture in general and how different it can be from my own.
The few things I would like to see improved in this book are simple. I would like to have seen more of a reference page at the end or beginning of the book. I liked the map, which I referred to a few times, but would have liked a few more cities or other details on it. I would have really appreciated a page with all or most of the political parties listed and a very brief description of what they were with their acronyms. Then, I could have understood more as I was reading about each major player described in the book. It would also have been kind of nice to see a list of the major politicians, perhaps a list of the presidents in their order, or an alphabetical order of the major leaders and what party they were with. A timeline of major events could have also been helpful, such as dates of political ideological changes, or the dates of large discoveries or decisions.
I also wished some of my own interests would have been mentioned, but they are probably beyond the scope of the book. For example, I wondered what sort of plants were growing in residential areas, parks and in the wild. What are the hallmark trees and shrubs in the various areas. Are gardening and wildlife viewing important to many Brazilians, and if so, what species are they particularly excited about? Could their interest help to preserve the rainforest? I remember reading that sometimes coffee crops were lost to a frost, and I found that surprising, and figured they grew coffee at higher elevations, or perhaps in the extreme southern portion of Brazil. I wondered if parts of Brazil were similar in climate to Southern Europe or the Southern US, and would have enjoyed a much more detailed discussion of the different climatic regions of the country. I wondered what interesting plants were growing in Brazil that are also able to be grown in warm temperate climates either as easy houseplants or garden features. A reference page of national wildlife parks, botanical gardens, prominent museums, landmarks, etc might have been nice to include for readers who would consider vacationing in the country. However, all of these topics, while interesting, are beyond the scope of the book which focuses on the rise of Brazil from its history to a much more prominent position in the political world.
The most troubling aspects for me in the book were the situations with the loss of the Amazon rainforest due to development, and awful, abusive labor situations that can exist in some parts of Brazil. I truly hope that both of these situations change soon. Perhaps if Brazil can attribute a large portion of its income to ecotourism in the future, it will have the incentive to preserve this resource at all costs. Perhaps other nations and international politics will facilitate ecotourism into Brazil and other similar areas.
It is interesting to learn of the culture of Brazil (the importance of Carnival, the beach, soccer) and realize that I really have no desire to become interested in these things despite a keen interest in Brazil and the rainforest throughout my earlier life. I also would not fit in with the idea of bending rules for some people and not others, and rubbing elbows with people in order to get what you want. Or, for that matter, tolerating political scandals - forgiving them and letting the same politicians back in office ten years later, no matter how bad the previous behavior. Indeed, this book was eye-opening, not just because of Brazilian culture, but foreign culture in general and how different it can be from my own.
The few things I would like to see improved in this book are simple. I would like to have seen more of a reference page at the end or beginning of the book. I liked the map, which I referred to a few times, but would have liked a few more cities or other details on it. I would have really appreciated a page with all or most of the political parties listed and a very brief description of what they were with their acronyms. Then, I could have understood more as I was reading about each major player described in the book. It would also have been kind of nice to see a list of the major politicians, perhaps a list of the presidents in their order, or an alphabetical order of the major leaders and what party they were with. A timeline of major events could have also been helpful, such as dates of political ideological changes, or the dates of large discoveries or decisions.
I also wished some of my own interests would have been mentioned, but they are probably beyond the scope of the book. For example, I wondered what sort of plants were growing in residential areas, parks and in the wild. What are the hallmark trees and shrubs in the various areas. Are gardening and wildlife viewing important to many Brazilians, and if so, what species are they particularly excited about? Could their interest help to preserve the rainforest? I remember reading that sometimes coffee crops were lost to a frost, and I found that surprising, and figured they grew coffee at higher elevations, or perhaps in the extreme southern portion of Brazil. I wondered if parts of Brazil were similar in climate to Southern Europe or the Southern US, and would have enjoyed a much more detailed discussion of the different climatic regions of the country. I wondered what interesting plants were growing in Brazil that are also able to be grown in warm temperate climates either as easy houseplants or garden features. A reference page of national wildlife parks, botanical gardens, prominent museums, landmarks, etc might have been nice to include for readers who would consider vacationing in the country. However, all of these topics, while interesting, are beyond the scope of the book which focuses on the rise of Brazil from its history to a much more prominent position in the political world.
April 2, 2013
Very interesting book about a fascinating country undergoing transition at the moment. Written by Larry Rohter, an American Journalist with the New York Times who arrived in Brazil in the 1970s. He covers the period from his arrival to the present day with clarity, curiosidades and no shortage of wit about his adopted home.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. In the former, he writes about the history of the country, while also covering some of the corruption and inequalities that have blighted Brazil's development. His writings on corruption were interesting, some of the memorable phrases included: "Aos meus amigos, tudo, aos meus inimigos, o rigor de lei" and "Aquela lei não pegou." That chapter reminded me a bit of Ireland, in fact. The penultimate chapter about Lula's apparent Midas touch during the boom years, when he seemed to believe his own propaganda that it was solely his policies that caused economic growth, rather than external factors like high global commodity prices and the work of his predecessor Fernando Henrique Cardoso, reminded me a bit of the Fianna Fáil mantra during the Celtic Tiger years.
I found some chapters far more interesting than others - what I found particularly interesting was the chapter about the Brazilian elite's attitude towards the Amazon region. I thought some parts of the book were boring in parts, in particular about music and the energy sector, while I thought some of the chapters on culture and society had a few too many generalisations for my liking.
Overall it gives a great overview of the country's history, society and politics. Ideal for an outsider like me, I'm sure Brazilian people would find it interesting too. I'd be interested to hear whether they think his opinions, as written from a foreigner's perspective, are any different from their own ones.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. In the former, he writes about the history of the country, while also covering some of the corruption and inequalities that have blighted Brazil's development. His writings on corruption were interesting, some of the memorable phrases included: "Aos meus amigos, tudo, aos meus inimigos, o rigor de lei" and "Aquela lei não pegou." That chapter reminded me a bit of Ireland, in fact. The penultimate chapter about Lula's apparent Midas touch during the boom years, when he seemed to believe his own propaganda that it was solely his policies that caused economic growth, rather than external factors like high global commodity prices and the work of his predecessor Fernando Henrique Cardoso, reminded me a bit of the Fianna Fáil mantra during the Celtic Tiger years.
I found some chapters far more interesting than others - what I found particularly interesting was the chapter about the Brazilian elite's attitude towards the Amazon region. I thought some parts of the book were boring in parts, in particular about music and the energy sector, while I thought some of the chapters on culture and society had a few too many generalisations for my liking.
Overall it gives a great overview of the country's history, society and politics. Ideal for an outsider like me, I'm sure Brazilian people would find it interesting too. I'd be interested to hear whether they think his opinions, as written from a foreigner's perspective, are any different from their own ones.
December 24, 2012
Larry Rohter explains why Brazil is on the rise and more in this short survey of contemporary Brazil. Individual chapters are devoted to history, ethos, race, lifestyle, industry, energy, the Amazon/environment, foreign relations and the future. Readers' appreciation will undoubtedly vary depending on their interest in these areas or their opinions of what was included or left out. As a general reader I found in each one interesting and well presented.
The chapter on lifestyle covers the beaches, Carnival and soccer, each of which looks a lot different on the inside than the outside.
The most controversial chapter, I am sure, is the one on race. Rohter essentially debunks the image that Brazil is a country of multi-cultural acceptance. Outsiders can be fooled, he poses, by the athletes, the artists and the Carnival that represent Brazil on the international scene. He reminds the reader of the duration of slavery in Brazil (de facto in the current time as described in a later chapter) and he through statistics and anecdotes the social stratification that exists today.
I came away with a renewed appreciation for this country and its vast resources. For those with more interest in how Brazil made its changes in government and economic policy, I recommend "The Accidental President of Brazil: A Memoir" by Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the president who paved the way for "the rise".
The chapter on lifestyle covers the beaches, Carnival and soccer, each of which looks a lot different on the inside than the outside.
The most controversial chapter, I am sure, is the one on race. Rohter essentially debunks the image that Brazil is a country of multi-cultural acceptance. Outsiders can be fooled, he poses, by the athletes, the artists and the Carnival that represent Brazil on the international scene. He reminds the reader of the duration of slavery in Brazil (de facto in the current time as described in a later chapter) and he through statistics and anecdotes the social stratification that exists today.
I came away with a renewed appreciation for this country and its vast resources. For those with more interest in how Brazil made its changes in government and economic policy, I recommend "The Accidental President of Brazil: A Memoir" by Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the president who paved the way for "the rise".
August 22, 2015
This is a great introduction to Brazil, a country known to the rest of us for its magnificent beaches, happy, smiley faces, Carnivals and its favelas. Larry Rother has lived in Brazil, among Brazilians for more than 40 years. The book benefits from his outsider look at the country as well as his insider experience. Each chapter deals with one major topic. It is a great read for anyone who is interested in Brazil as a country that is up and coming in the world stage as well as those who is thinking of traveling and seeing it for themselves. I think it is a great conversation starter.
Brazilians are friendly, easygoing and naturally happy. Of course they are not as happy with the social injustices, inequality and the inefficiencies of their government. Rother addresses most of the issues Brazil faces ranging from Brazilian insecurity about their territory (Amazon) and the world conspiracy to wrest it away from them to their love of football (soccer) to their obsession with Carnival, and their creativity in music. So much I learned about a country that I am hoping to visit soon. So much is there to learn about one of the future powers of our world.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in international affairs, history, governance, travel and culture.
Brazilians are friendly, easygoing and naturally happy. Of course they are not as happy with the social injustices, inequality and the inefficiencies of their government. Rother addresses most of the issues Brazil faces ranging from Brazilian insecurity about their territory (Amazon) and the world conspiracy to wrest it away from them to their love of football (soccer) to their obsession with Carnival, and their creativity in music. So much I learned about a country that I am hoping to visit soon. So much is there to learn about one of the future powers of our world.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in international affairs, history, governance, travel and culture.
January 21, 2016
Interesting read and facts a newcomer should know, but…
This is a good book for those who know nothing about Brazil and Brazilians. However, this good material loses credibility when the author bases his opinions on prejudices and Anglo-Saxon moral. He fails miserably when he tries to analyze Brazilians sexuality and in some parts of the book he sounds really silly, although he’s been married to a Brazilian woman and living in Brazil for many years.
Distorted view apart, this is a good source of information, especially about Brazilian History –although presented in a shallow and quick way, good enough for the casual reader who’s not really interested in a more serious and in depth analysis of what really happened and happens in this complex society. For a more in depth view, I suggest reading “O Povo Brasileiro” (Brazilian People) by the Brazilian Anthropologist Darcy Ribeiro.
Now, I wonder when Mr Rohter will write a sequel, Brazil on the Plunge, now that the country is finally succumbing after 12 years of irresponsible actions by a discredited administration that, incredibly enough, has been reelected in 2014 for 4 years more.
This is a good book for those who know nothing about Brazil and Brazilians. However, this good material loses credibility when the author bases his opinions on prejudices and Anglo-Saxon moral. He fails miserably when he tries to analyze Brazilians sexuality and in some parts of the book he sounds really silly, although he’s been married to a Brazilian woman and living in Brazil for many years.
Distorted view apart, this is a good source of information, especially about Brazilian History –although presented in a shallow and quick way, good enough for the casual reader who’s not really interested in a more serious and in depth analysis of what really happened and happens in this complex society. For a more in depth view, I suggest reading “O Povo Brasileiro” (Brazilian People) by the Brazilian Anthropologist Darcy Ribeiro.
Now, I wonder when Mr Rohter will write a sequel, Brazil on the Plunge, now that the country is finally succumbing after 12 years of irresponsible actions by a discredited administration that, incredibly enough, has been reelected in 2014 for 4 years more.
June 8, 2015
An insightful, fascinating account of a country on the rise.
This book was recommended to me by my Brazilian sister-in-law during a family trip to Brazil. I was surprised by how thorough Larry Rohter was in his insights, but then again he is married to a Brazilian and did live in the country for 15 years.
I highly enjoyed his insights and would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Brazil's history, economics, politics and way of life. I cannot speak for the accuracy of what Rohter conveyed, and my sister-in-law didn't agree with all of his insights (which could be based on when these insights were made since Rohter was in the country prior to my sister-in-law's birth so, it's safe to say that as a rapidly evolving country there could have been some points that were no longer valid.)
You can read this book in total, or read the chapters that interest you as they are self-contained. I do plan on reading more in the future to ensure a well-balanced understanding of Brazilian culture but I think this book was a great primer!
This book was recommended to me by my Brazilian sister-in-law during a family trip to Brazil. I was surprised by how thorough Larry Rohter was in his insights, but then again he is married to a Brazilian and did live in the country for 15 years.
I highly enjoyed his insights and would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about Brazil's history, economics, politics and way of life. I cannot speak for the accuracy of what Rohter conveyed, and my sister-in-law didn't agree with all of his insights (which could be based on when these insights were made since Rohter was in the country prior to my sister-in-law's birth so, it's safe to say that as a rapidly evolving country there could have been some points that were no longer valid.)
You can read this book in total, or read the chapters that interest you as they are self-contained. I do plan on reading more in the future to ensure a well-balanced understanding of Brazilian culture but I think this book was a great primer!
October 20, 2010
You will be hard-pressed to find a more all-encompassing book on modern Brazil than this. It's a fun read for anyone interested in Brazil, and an extremely informative read for those who don't know much about Brazil. It's amazing how Rohter manages to condense five hundred years of history into a few short chapters, and to also cover the most important components of modern Brazil in the rest, but he pulls it off. I especially enjoyed Rohter's anecdotes and his first hand experiences with the biggest players in Brazil (from musicians to presidents), and also how he manages to express his opinions in a subtle way while offering the reader the ability to draw his own conclusions. It's a definite must read not only for Brazilians and those who love Latin America, but anyone interested in international affairs or business.
February 17, 2014
I have been reading about the BRICs: Brazil, Russia, India and China who Goldman Sachs say will dominate the emerging new world economy. I read this book on Brazil as part of this. It did a reasonable job but didn't give me many deep insights, just covered the ground and left me thinking that Brazil has a long way to go before it is really on track and recent events there have confirmed my concerns. You cannot easily build an advanced industrial economy on such profound inequality as Brazil has. It is too unstable, domestic consumption is too low given how much wealth flows to the rich and middle class people have to spend too much on personal security of their homes to become the dynamic force they could be. Sad really, Brazil's history still holding it back, though it has made great strides..
May 8, 2013
Out of the three textbooks that I was required to read for my trip to Brazil, I definitely enjoyed this one the most. The writing is more personal and colloquial and the author isn't merely shooting facts and figures at you while you read. The topics discussed were really helpful and enlightening. I found myself noticing things while I'm here that I might not have picked up on if I hadn't read the book. I also found it fascinating to read about the differences between our cultures through the eyes of an American who has spent a lot of time in Brazil. I really recommend this book to any American traveling to Brazil - it's really helpful!
April 13, 2014
A fantastic book. It has a unique focus, part history, part economic, part geography, part culture, and large part sociology. Larry Rohter's love for and concern for this amazing country cones through. His discussions of the history of the country puts in context much else of what he says. His chapter on Carnival is truly interesting and his chapter on the Amazon is fascinating. Although Brazil's economic growth has slowed in the past couple years, the strides it has made are mind-boggling and its future seems bright.
March 8, 2014
An insightful and well-done overview of present day Brazil with a historical 'setting of the stage' that was just the right length. I would've liked less political focus (the last third of the book) and more about the Arts and the Amazon though. It is already politically out-of-date too, having been published immediately before the 2010 presidential election - I'm kind of surprised he and his publisher didn't just wait an extra couple months.
June 10, 2013
Very informative on contemporary Brazil, including its frontal issues on income inequality and environment, and provides a basic foundation on Brazil's colonial past. Rohter, however, puts a very American-centric view on the Brazilian economy and contemporary politics, condemning popularist and left-wing movements and economic structures in Brazil. All in all, interesting information but not at all objective and was definitely written for a malleable, pro-market American audience.
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February 1, 2014An insightful analysis of the progress Brazil has made .
Occasionally I thought politics was excessively analyzed and given too much priority. Worthwhile but does bog down sufficiently in some chapters. Written by an American journalist with an outsiders viewpoint who has lived in Brazil many years. Some topics are very well presented. I suggest patience in finishing this book.
Occasionally I thought politics was excessively analyzed and given too much priority. Worthwhile but does bog down sufficiently in some chapters. Written by an American journalist with an outsiders viewpoint who has lived in Brazil many years. Some topics are very well presented. I suggest patience in finishing this book.
June 18, 2011
A "crash course" on Brazilian history, with focus on contemporary events and the current state. It may not suite Brazilians either because the book describes facts that are already known or because the author’s point of view may be controversial. The author is definitely more optimistic than I am. However, I was positively surprised with the book.
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