Time and the Wind - Erico Verissimo

Time and the Wind: A Saga of the Terra Cambará

A sweeping historical novel that tells the story of three generations of a family in southern Brazil, Time and the Wind is a masterpiece of Brazilian literature.

Spanning over a century, the novel begins in the 1740s, when the Portuguese first arrive in the region. The Terra Cambará is a wild and untamed land, and the Portuguese settlers face many challenges, including the harsh climate, the hostile natives, and the constant threat of attack from pirates.

Despite these challenges, the Portuguese settlers persevere, and they eventually establish a thriving colony. The Terra Cambará becomes a major producer of sugar, tobacco, and cotton, and it is home to a diverse population of Portuguese, Africans, and Native Americans.

The novel follows the fortunes of the Terra Cambará over the next century, as it is transformed from a wild frontier into a prosperous and cosmopolitan region. The novel also tells the story of the Terra Cambará's people, as they struggle to overcome the challenges of life in a new and often hostile land.

Time and the Wind is a powerful and moving novel that tells a story of love, loss, and hope. It is a story of the human spirit, and it is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Characters

The novel features a large cast of characters, but the most important are:

• Bibiana Terra Cambará: The matriarch of the Terra Cambará family, Bibiana is a strong and independent woman who is determined to succeed in the New World.
• Pedro Terra Cambará: Bibiana's husband, Pedro is a hard-working and ambitious man who is also fiercely loyal to his family.
• Ana Terra Cambará: Bibiana and Pedro's daughter, Ana is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who is caught between her love for her family and her desire for a life of her own.
• Rodrigo Terra Cambará: Ana's son, Rodrigo is a passionate and idealistic young man who is determined to fight for justice and equality.

Setting

The novel is set in the Terra Cambará, a region in southern Brazil. The Terra Cambará is a wild and untamed land, and it is home to a diverse population of Portuguese, Africans, and Native Americans.

The novel spans over a century, from the 1740s to the 1840s. During this time, the Terra Cambará is transformed from a wild frontier into a prosperous and cosmopolitan region.

Themes

The novel explores a number of themes, including:

• The power of love: The novel shows how love can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
• The importance of family: The novel shows how family can provide strength and support in times of need.
• The struggle for justice: The novel shows how people can fight for justice and equality, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Why You Should Read Time and the Wind

Time and the Wind is a masterpiece of Brazilian literature. It is a powerful and moving novel that tells a story of love, loss, and hope. It is a story of the human spirit, and it is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

If you are looking for a great read, then I highly recommend Time and the Wind.