The Devil to Pay in the Backlands, by João Guimarães Rosa
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands: A Masterpiece of Brazilian Literature
João Guimarães Rosa's The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is a literary masterpiece that transports readers to the sertão, the vast and unforgiving hinterland of Brazil.
First published in 1956, the novel tells the story of Riobaldo, a retired jagunço (hired gunman) who recounts his experiences during the War of Canudos, a bloody conflict that took place in the late 19th century.
Through Riobaldo's vivid and often hallucinatory narrative, Rosa paints a mesmerizing portrait of a harsh and unforgiving land, where violence and superstition are commonplace.
The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the complex relationship between man and nature.
With its rich symbolism and poetic language, The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is a challenging and rewarding read that has earned its place as one of the greatest works of Brazilian literature.
A Story of War and Redemption
The War of Canudos was a brutal conflict that lasted for nearly two years and claimed the lives of thousands of people.
Riobaldo, a young jagunço, is drawn into the conflict and quickly becomes one of its most feared fighters.
He is a man of violence, but he is also a man of faith, and he struggles to reconcile his actions with his religious beliefs.
As the war rages on, Riobaldo's faith is tested to the limit, and he begins to question everything he has ever believed.
A Journey into the Sertão
The sertão is a harsh and unforgiving land, and it takes a toll on those who live there.
The people of the sertão are a resilient bunch, but they are also deeply superstitious, and they believe that the land is inhabited by all sorts of evil spirits.
Riobaldo is no exception, and he is constantly haunted by visions of the devil.
These visions are a manifestation of his own guilt and shame, and they serve as a reminder of the price he has paid for his actions.
A Masterpiece of Brazilian Literature
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one.
Rosa's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he creates a world that is both real and magical.
The novel is full of memorable characters, and Riobaldo is one of the most complex and well-developed characters in Brazilian literature.
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian literature or in the human condition.
Why You Should Read The Devil to Pay in the Backlands
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding read, then The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is the book for you.
This masterpiece of Brazilian literature will transport you to a harsh and unforgiving land, where violence and superstition are commonplace.
You will meet unforgettable characters and witness their struggles with faith, doubt, and the complex relationship between man and nature.
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience one of the greatest works of Brazilian literature.