Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Glenn Russell's Reviews > ²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹

²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹ by Darcy Ribeiro
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
23385697
's review




With ²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹, cultural anthropologist and novelist Darcy Ribeiro presents the gripping conflict between an indigenous Amazon jungle tribe and the technological, capitalist West.

One pivotal character: Avá taken away from his tribe when a child by a jovial, talkative missionary; Avá the Mairus tribesman taken away to Rome so he can be made over into a Catholic priest.

The novel opens with the death of old Mairus chieftain Anacá. The next Mairus in line to take over for the chieftain is none other than Avá, currently Father Avá scheduled to pay a return visit to his jungle tribe on behalf of the Catholic church.

In addition to the unfolding drama, the author gives us a vivid sense of the Amazon rainforest exploding with life in all forms. Reading this novel, you'll feel as if you're taking a long trek through the vast, lush Brazilian jungle. Here's a sampling of birdlife contained in one short paragraph. And ²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹ is 350 glorious pages!



"Toucans with yellow beaks and golden throats whistle and dance pirouettes over the highest treetops."



"Above them, in the sky, flock the bluest, the reddest, the yellowest birds of all, the great macaw, flying in pairs, jealous, conversing."



"Soon bands of loquacious warblers arrive."



"Then the red-fan parrots, proud of their collars and of their insults to the gossipy parakeets."



"At the edge of the water, chestnut-colored horned screamers cry viu-viu-viu, proclaiming their virginity, armed as they are with double spurs."



"Rusty hoatzins with dentated beaks and sharp pointed wings swing their crested heads from side to side, uttering discordant cries and making a mess around their perches in the thickets of mucca-mucca."



"In the darkness of the forest, self-contained and silent, the squawking of the falcons is suddenly heard, filling animals and men alike with dread."



"Bellbirds clang their hammers on sheets of iron."



"Motionless musical wrens, red and black enchanted sorcerers, sing their melodies to the shadowy forest."

Pick up a copy of ²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹ and take your own journey to the heart of the Amazon.


Brazilian anthropologist and novelist Darcy Ribeiro, 1922-1997
36 likes ·  âˆ� flag

Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read ²Ñ²¹Ã­°ù²¹.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

Finished Reading
February 25, 2021 – Shelved
February 25, 2021 – Shelved as: to-read

Comments Showing 1-6 of 6 (6 new)

dateDown arrow    newest »

message 1: by Brian (new)

Brian What a delight! Thank you posting! :-)


message 2: by Glenn (new) - added it

Glenn Russell Brian wrote: "What a delight! Thank you posting! :-)"

Hey, Brian. Thanks! I read this novel when first translated into English many years ago. It still makes a compelling read second time through.


message 3: by Mayra (new) - added it

Mayra Almost my name, but it's pronounced the same :)


message 4: by Glenn (last edited Feb 25, 2021 05:27PM) (new) - added it

Glenn Russell Mayra wrote: "Almost my name, but it's pronounced the same :)"

Thanks Mayra - you have a beautiful name, indeed.

You have the added advantage of being able to read this novel in the original Portuguese.


message 5: by Mayra (new) - added it

Mayra True! It's already on my TBR.


message 6: by Glenn (new) - added it

Glenn Russell Super, Mayra. Enjoy!


back to top