The Clarion and the Prayer: One Hundred Years of the Sertões

By Rinaldo de Fernandes

A sweeping historical novel that tells the story of Brazil's epic backlands war, the Canudos Campaign, and its aftermath.

In the late 19th century, Brazil was a young nation struggling to find its identity. The country was vast and diverse, with a population that was deeply divided along lines of race, class, and religion. In the midst of this turmoil, a charismatic religious leader named Antônio Conselheiro emerged in the sertão, the vast and unforgiving backlands of northeastern Brazil.

Conselheiro's message of hope and salvation resonated with the poor and marginalized people of the sertão. He preached against the corruption of the government and the church, and he promised to lead his followers to a better life. Soon, thousands of people flocked to his settlement, which he named Canudos.

The Brazilian government was alarmed by the growing power of Canudos. They saw it as a threat to their authority, and they were determined to crush it. In 1897, the government launched a military campaign against Canudos. The campaign was a brutal and bloody affair, and it lasted for nearly a year. In the end, the government forces were victorious, and Canudos was destroyed.

The Clarion and the Prayer tells the story of the Canudos Campaign from the perspective of its participants. The novel follows the lives of a diverse cast of characters, including soldiers, civilians, and religious leaders. Through their eyes, we see the horrors of war, the power of faith, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Clarion and the Prayer is a powerful and moving novel that tells a story that is both tragic and inspiring. It is a story about the struggle for justice, the search for meaning, and the power of hope.

Praise for The Clarion and the Prayer

"A masterpiece of historical fiction. Rinaldo de Fernandes has written a novel that is both epic in scope and intimate in its portrayal of human experience. The Clarion and the Prayer is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian history or in the human condition." — Isabel Allende

"A powerful and moving novel that tells a story that is both tragic and inspiring. The Clarion and the Prayer is a must-read for anyone who cares about social justice and the human spirit." — Junot Díaz

"A beautifully written and deeply researched novel that brings to life one of the most important events in Brazilian history. The Clarion and the Prayer is a must-read for anyone interested in Latin America or in the power of faith." — Héctor Tobar

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