Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Air You Breathe

The Air You Breathe
eadieburke avatar reviewed on + 1613 more book reviews


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.