Brazilian Tales

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21040

Title

Brazilian Tales

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Brazilian Tales offers a window into the nation's literary soul through a collection of short stories by Machado de Assis, Medeiros e Albuquerque, and Coelho Netto. Translated by Isaac Goldberg, this anthology explores themes of love, superstition, family duty, and social critique against the backdrop of 19th-century Brazil. With rich characterizations and a blend of romanticism and realism, the volume appeals to readers seeking authentic Latin American voices and timeless human dramas.

Summary up to 500 words

Translated by Isaac Goldberg, *Brazilian Tales* presents a curated selection of short stories from the golden age of Brazilian literature, contextualized by an introduction that challenges the notion that a national literature requires a distinct language. The volume highlights key figures such as José Alencar and Alfred d'Escragnolle Taunay, praising works like *Guarany* and *Inocência* for their poetic atmosphere and dramatic intensity. The narrative core features three distinct tales that explore psychological depth, social commentary, and the tension between idealism and reality. In "The Fortune-Teller" by Machado de Assis, the story follows Camillo and Rita, whose secret romance is threatened by Camillo's skepticism and anonymous accusations. Rita's desperation leads her to consult a fortune-teller, who correctly predicts her fear of abandonment. The tension escalates when Camillo's friend, Villela, summons him urgently, leading Camillo to believe his affair is exposed. The tale masterfully blends psychological suspense with social commentary on honor, superstition, and the fragility of trust in relationships. "The Pigeons" by Coelho Netto offers a poignant domestic scene centered on Tiburcio and his wife, Joanna. Distraught over the death of their child, Joanna believes the pigeons returning to their coop are mourning the loss, interpreting their cooing as a sign of the child's soul ascending to heaven. Tiburcio, however, reveals the grim reality: he killed the fledglings to save the birds from starvation after destroying their nest. The story contrasts the wife's innocent, spiritual hope with the husband's harsh, pragmatic cruelty, ending in a shared, tearful grief that transcends their differing perspectives. Finally, "Aunt Zeze's Tears" by Carmen Dolores depicts the quiet tragedy of Maria-José, an older unmarried woman living with her younger, married sister. Despite her age and lack of beauty, she harbors a deep, unrequited love for the poet Monjardin. On her sister's anniversary dinner, Monjardin recites a poem praising her self-sacrifice and chastity, framing her as a saintly guardian rather than a romantic partner. The poem, intended as a compliment, shatters Maria-José's hopes, causing her to weep openly amidst the celebration. The family's reaction shifts from amusement to pity, highlighting the societal indifference to her emotional suffering and the painful gap between her inner life and her external role as an aunt.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Brazil