This well-researched and theoretically informed book examines the nature and function of the main female characters in the nine novels of Machado de Assis. Earl Fitz argues that Machado had a particular interest in female characterization and that his fictional women became increasingly sophisticated and complex as he matured and developed as a writer and social commentator. Machado developed, especially after 1880 (and what is usually considered the beginning of his "mature" period), a kind of anti-realistic, "new narrative," one that presents itself as self-referential fictional artifice but one that also cultivates a keen social consciousness. Fitz concludes that Machado increasingly uses his female characterizations to convey this social consciousness and to show that the new Brazil that is emerging both before and after the establishment of the Brazilian Republic (1889) requires not only the emancipation of black slaves but the emancipation of its women as well.
Industry Reviews
This book will not just help save America; it will help save the world. -- Pete Seeger, songwriter/song leader
Visionaries In Our Midst by Allison Silberberg is a great book about very wonderful people who gave their heart and soul for others. It will inspire many others to do the same if they care. And who doesn't? -- Helen Thomas, Dean, White House Press Corps, Hearst Columnist
In this age of cynicism, here is a book about good people doing good things. What a refreshing change! What a delightful and uplifting read! -- Marvin Kalb, Harvard professor emeritus; now senior adviser to Pulitzer Center; former network correspondent
This is a book of wonders-and hope. It tells us of extraordinary things 'ordinary' people can do. -- Studs Terkel, oral historian/Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Silberberg has collected the stories of eighteen charitable groups into a kind of guidebook for people looking to be inspired. Her storytelling style is generally easy and pleasing to read. She doesn't hide the depth to which these people touch her and often describes her own tearful, joyful reaction to the scenes she witnesses, which adds a rich authenticity to her book. As Silberberg reminds us, the ways in which we care for each other may be what makes our nation most great. * Foreword Reviews, September 2009 *
Silberberg takes the "people making a difference" idea and applies it to 18 organizations in the Washington, D.C., area. While she wavers between memoir and journalistic analysis, her intentions are good and the individuals she profiles are inspiring. From helping schoolchildren to providing legal advice, giving seniors a social outlet, and offering low-cost medical care via mobile units, she highlights a wealth of examples of doing good. Silberberg asks organizers exactly how ideas originated and were implemented, and shares annual budgets and staff sizes. She also lists contact information and similar organizations around the country for those seeking to get involved themselves.While this logistical data is welcome and truly useful, it is her moments of awareness during visits to various organizations that make this book so effective. "It's one thing to understand the Taliban intellectually," she writes, while researching the Tahirih Justice Center in Falls Church, Virginia, "it's a whole other thing to see, photograph, and chat with an extended family that would not have survived." Doing good, Silberberg testifies, truly does save and improve lives. * Booklist, October 2009 *
This is an amazing book about people just like you and me who have decided to do something great. * On Tap, October 2009 *
Colorful and inspiring stories of 18 "visionaries"....Silberberg, a veteran of nonprofit work, captures the motives and methods of these citizens with compassion, detailing their personal histories and obstacles...while testifying to the far-reaching power of a determined individual. * Publishers Weekly, October 2009 Web Exclusive Review *
The stories are inspiring and touching, but told in way that encourages readers to follow in similar footsteps. * Lime Online, December 4, 2009 *
Strong stories of unsung heroes who ought to help give the rest of us the courage to act. -- Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen
