I hope you like this.


Subject: I hope you like this.
From: Capua (capua@sp.looknet.com.br)
Date: Wed Jun 25 1997 - 15:34:17 GMT


        I have noticed that this list has been taking several different
directions on its subjects, and I would like to express how much it excites
me and stimulates me to get in touch with more literature and auhors that
are still unknown to me.
        In response to that, I would like to drop now my twelve cents of
knowledge on writing, that although is slightly limited to Portuguse-
Brasilian authors, could enhance many oy you guy's bookshelves (I believe).
        I would suggest you to look for Machado de Assis. His full name is
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, but I have seen it spelled MacHado De Assis
in some Books in the US. He is considered the to be the ultimate genius of
prose in world's literature, according to brasilian critics and teachers in
general. His books reach deep character's insight, he is very cynical and
definitely skeptical, but that is exactly what makes him so great. I wish I
knew which of his works have been translated to English (I'm sorry) but some
of his novels include "Memorial de Aires", "Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas"
and "Dom Casmurro" (uh uh, titles in the original here...).
        Or, if you are lucky enough, you might be able to find a copy of
"Barren Lives", by Graciliano Ramos. I sincerely cannot understand HOW could
anyone EVER translate this book, since it uses so many regional expressions,
but it seems like some universtity in Texas has done it. I highly reccomend
it, it is a story that washes our souls and slaps us on the face with its
rawness and dryness, although it might not cause the same impact in someone
who's not familiar with Brasil's ancient social problems as I am.
        And still, before leaving, for those who like poetry, you might find
an idol in Fernando Pessoa, the greatest Portuguese writer of all times. He
has actually WRITTEN stuff originally in English. I have never read any of
his non-portuguese poems, but I'm sure it will stunne all of you. He also
wrote behind several different pseudonims <-(?)= fake names, and for each
one he had created completely original styles, and he even had stories for
their lives and all. Try "The keeper of Sheeps", by Alberto Caeeiro, that is
HIS BEST one.
        Ok, I feel like my job is done now.
        I guess I just really wanted to share that with other people.
Thanks a lot.

                  Nanda
---###*** I DON'T HAVE A HOMEPAGE!!! ***###---
But I do have a cool quote:

"Tears are not arguments"
        -Machado de Assis-



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b25 : Mon Oct 09 2000 - 15:02:01 GMT