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212
Novel • Fiction
Amazon Rainforest • Contemporary
1990
Adult
15+ years
Through the Arc of the Rain Forest by Karen Tei Yamashita is a magical realist novel narrated by a sentient floating sphere, set mainly in Brazil. The book intertwines the lives of multiple characters such as Kazumasa, a Japanese man who relocates to Brazil, and local residents like Batista and Tania. Using fantastical elements, the narrative explores themes of environmentalism, economic disparity, and faith.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Unnerving
Contemplative
1,568 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Karen Tei Yamashita's Through the Arc of the Rain Forest captivates with its imaginative plot and original storytelling, blending environmental themes with magical realism. Reviews commend its creativity and commentary on globalization, but some feel the narrative juggles too many threads, leading to occasional confusion. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking, if sometimes complex, read.
Fans of magical realism and socio-political satire, much like readers of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude or Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses, will enjoy Karen Tei Yamashita’s Through the Arc of the Rain Forest. This novel appeals to those who appreciate allegorical storytelling and global ecological themes.
1,568 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jonathan B. Tweep (J.B.)
A three-armed American businessman known for his ambition and efficiency at the GGG corporation, whose desire for control and success defines much of his journey.
Chico Paco
A selfless and faith-driven individual from the coast of Ceará, whose acts of kindness and spiritual dedication impact those around him.
Mané da Costa Pena
A native of the Amazon passionate about feathers and healing, whose work sparks international interest in feathers, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Batista and Tania Aparecida Djapan
A couple living in Brazil; Batista is enthusiastic about pigeons, while Tania thrives in business negotiations, both passionately committed to each other and their business.
The Ball
An enigmatic and omnipresent entity connected to Kazumasa, offering a narrative perspective and serving as a structural device within the story.
212
Novel • Fiction
Amazon Rainforest • Contemporary
1990
Adult
15+ years
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