Brazil | Litsy

so-so

Updike's skill with words is present in this re-telling of the ancient story of Tristan and Isolde. Taking place in Brazil, Tristão from the favelas falls in love with Isabel, a rich white girl. But, Updike was a bit over the top with constantly referring to Tristão's thing as a "yam" and the magical elements that appears about half-way through the novel. Definitely not one of his best works. Letter U for #LitsyAtoZ.

BookishMarginalia

ValerieAndBooks Cachaca is mentioned a lot in the novel. Bottles and shot glasses are from hubby's work travels to Brazil. 8y

LeahBergen A yam? 😬 8y

huntersmom1977 Haha Cachaca!! Yes! My parents would give us children a shot of that whenever we had the stomach flu. It cured us, believe it or not. As an adult I tried it, and wow not to my liking. My father says in Portugal they call it Portuguese Moonshine. Very strong 8y

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ValerieAndBooks @LeahBergen that euphemism was a new one to me!! 🙈 🍠 8y

ValerieAndBooks @huntersmom1977 wow! Yes cachaca is strong stuff. Are your parents from Portugal or from Brazil? 8y

huntersmom1977 My parents and myself are from Portugal. We came to Canada when I was just 7 months old. 😊 8y

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Tav

Brazil: A Novel | John Updike

pick

I read this book on my 1st trip to Brazil 10+ years ago. The Rio Olympics reminds me of those 2 trips, and this book. I enjoyed this book- my 1st by Updike! - & thought it captured the raw, passionate, steamy, & exotic character of Brazil in feeling if not in fact. The magical elements of the story were a bit weird to me, but I appreciated how he tweaks the rich girl/poor boy love story. &, Updike I think is retelling the classic Tristan & Iseult.

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