The Backlands in Childhood Memories: A Journey Through the Brazilian Sertão

A Memoir of a Boyhood in the Brazilian Sertão

In "The Backlands in Childhood Memories," João Morais de Sousa takes readers on a captivating journey through his childhood in the sertão, the vast and rugged hinterland of Brazil. With vivid prose and a keen eye for detail, Sousa paints a mesmerizing portrait of a region that is both harsh and beautiful, and of a people who are resilient and resourceful.

A Land of Contrasts

The sertão is a land of extremes, where the sun beats down mercilessly during the day and the nights are cold and unforgiving. The landscape is a patchwork of scrubland, cactus, and thorny bushes, with occasional oases of lush vegetation. The people who live in the sertão are a hardy breed, accustomed to the challenges of their environment. They are farmers, ranchers, and cowboys, who eke out a living from the land.

A Boy's-Eye View

Sousa's memoir is told through the eyes of a young boy, who experiences the sertão with all the wonder and curiosity of childhood. He describes the simple pleasures of life in the sertão, such as swimming in the river, playing with friends, and listening to stories told by the elders. He also recounts the hardships that the people of the sertão face, such as droughts, floods, and poverty.

A Celebration of the Sertão

"The Backlands in Childhood Memories" is a celebration of the sertão and its people. Sousa's writing is full of love and respect for the region that shaped him. He captures the essence of the sertão, its beauty and its challenges, and brings it to life for readers.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Brazil

"The Backlands in Childhood Memories" is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazil, its history, and its culture. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that offers a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating regions of the world.

Praise for "The Backlands in Childhood Memories"

"A lyrical and evocative memoir of a childhood spent in the sertão, the vast and rugged hinterland of Brazil. Sousa's writing is full of love and respect for the region that shaped him, and he captures the essence of the sertão, its beauty and its challenges, with remarkable skill." —The New York Times

"A moving and unforgettable account of growing up in the sertão. Sousa's memoir is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people who live in this harsh and unforgiving environment." —The Washington Post

"A beautifully written and deeply personal memoir that offers a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating regions of the world. Sousa's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he brings the sertão to life with remarkable skill." —The Boston Globe