Aside from Dores and Garca, the third main "character" of The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles is the music itself. Music determines almost the entire trajectory of their lives. At some point, their differing contributions to music also divide them. Through it all, the book is an homage to the samba music tradition that is so integral to Brazilian culture. A new knowledge of this music is what I take from this book more so than the human characters or the story.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2019/02/the-air-you-breathe.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2019/02/the-air-you-breathe.html
Reviewed for Penguin First to Read program.
This story takes place in the 1930's and the setting is Brazil and Los Angeles during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Graca, a spoiled daughter of a wealthy sugar baron, and Dores, an orphan kitchen worker at the sugar plantation, begin an intense friendship that is full of affection, jealousy and love. They share their passion for music - Graca as a singer and Dores as a writer. The writing is excellent and captivating and makes the book hard to put down. As you read about their singing and dancing, you can hear the samba music playing. The plot is beautiful and heartwarming in places but also tragically sad. Dores' narration is vivid and unforgettable. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would highly recommend this book to those who love cultural historical fiction.
