Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
448
Novel • Fiction
Ilhéus, Brazil • 1920s
1958
Adult
18+ years
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado is set in 1925-1926 Ilhéus, Brazil, detailing the intertwining lives of its residents amid political and social upheaval. Nacib Saad hires the enchanting Gabriela as a cook, sparking a love affair. Concurrently, Mundinho Falcão's modernization efforts and political ambitions clash with those of conservative colonels, leading to significant town transformations. The novel includes instances of infidelity, gun violence, and domestic violence.
Romantic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Humorous
Jorge Amado's Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is praised for its vivid portrayal of early 20th-century Brazilian culture, rich characterization, and engaging narrative. Critics laud Amado's ability to intertwine romance with social and political commentary. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot somewhat predictable. Overall, it's celebrated for its warmth and cultural significance.
A reader who enjoys lush narratives set in vibrant, historical settings will appreciate Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits will find this book's blend of magic, romance, and social commentary captivating.
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is set in the Brazilian town of Ilhéus during the economic boom of the cacao trade in the 1920s, capturing the cultural and social transformations of the era.
The novel was adapted into a Brazilian telenovela in 1975, which was hugely popular and helped to solidify Jorge Amado's work in Brazilian popular culture.
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The character of Gabriela has been iconic in Brazilian literature and culture, symbolizing the intersection of tradition and modernity and was famously portrayed by Sonia Braga in both the 1975 telenovela and the 1983 film adaptation.
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448
Novel • Fiction
Ilhéus, Brazil • 1920s
1958
Adult
18+ years
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