Brazil: Life, Blood, Soul (Paperback)

In some ways in reminded me of Robert Tewdwr Moss's great book on Syria, Cleopatra's Wedding Present, as it combines personal exploration with insight and analysis.

I bought it as I have recently spent some time in Brazil, including many of the places he covers, and wanted such a book to read before I went. I would have got a lot more out of the country had I done so, but it works brilliantly within the context of my own experience and makes me long to return.

It's a great, entertaining read. Don't just buy it if you're going, if you want to go, or if you just want to find out more about one of the most interesting countries on the planet. Buy it because it's a great book.

It was also fun to read about John's reactions to some petty things of Brazil's everyday life, like lack of change (coins), poorly insulated electric showers and large food portions in restaurants. These are little things that we Brazilians also question at times, even though we learn to live with them. All is described in a sarcastic and witty style that makes for enjoyable reading.

Like any single man travelling alone, John took the opportunity to enjoy the Brazilian nightlife and have his fair share of relationships. But then, he is gay. So his extensive report about the country is punctuated by glimpses into the Brazilian gay scene and stories about the men he met. But nothing remotely X-rated. In fact, even these accounts are enjoyable if you can read them without prejudice. Of course, if you're gay and you're planning to come to Brazil, you'll have an additional interest in the clubs he mentions!

All in all, this is the best and most in-depth report I have read about Brazil written by a foreigner.

If only I had had this one - it more than makes up for the big gap in the market. The author delights us by learning the language and so introducing us to all kinds of characters from mega-rich to dirt poor. He immerses himself in the history and the culture, and his commentary comes with a dry sense of humour that reveals his British upbringing. He throws himself into the dance scene and justifies it - if you want to understand Brazil and its people, get out and dance with them all night.

If you haven't been to Brazil, or are interested but cannot go, then do read this book. It's a complex country with many faces, and Malathronas (born in Greece with a gift for languages, so he can pass for a Brazilian at some points in the narrative) has a very interesting perspective. Openly gay, he sympathises with what it is to be misunderstood by the majority of people who see and hear only the clichés. In Brazil, that means of course the bikini-clad beauty on Copacabana, football stars and Carnaval. He takes us far deeper and manages to convey what the sub-title promises: Brazil's life, blood and soul come pulsing through.