Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
42(42%)
4 stars
36(36%)
3 stars
22(22%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Alarmingly and alarmingly

Correction* Georgian translation >

This statement seems rather concise and perhaps a bit cryptic. It might be used in a context where there is a sense of urgency or concern. The repetition of "alarmingly" emphasizes the degree of the situation.

For example, it could be in a report about a particular issue that is causing worry. Maybe it's related to an environmental problem, a social issue, or a political situation.

The "correction" part followed by "Georgian translation >" might suggest that there was some sort of error or need for clarification in the previous communication, and now the focus is on the correct Georgian translation.

Overall, this short text leaves room for further exploration and understanding of the specific context in which it is being used.
July 15,2025
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Si John Updike no tuvo el placer de ver Brasil con sus propios ojos, esto no le fue un impedimento para escribir una novela de gran valor documental cargada de misticismo y amor por la cultura brasileña.

La pasión de Isabel y Tristao, los protagonistas de esta historia, se asemeja a la que siente el autor al narrar algunos de los fenómenos que sucedieron en Brasil por aquel entonces. Estos incluyen la fiebre del oro en Serra Pelada, la rápida industrialización de Sao Paulo y la lucha política en la desértica ciudad de Brasilia.

La magia de los orishás, las religiones animistas y las tribus autóctonas encuentran su lugar en el Estado de Mato Grosso. Esta región recibe especial atención del autor, y según mi opinión, es donde se gestan las historias más interesantes del libro. "Brasil" no sigue una visión occidental de lo que puede ser un país tropical en vías de desarrollo. Más bien, da voz a sus 200 millones de habitantes a través del prisma crítico y humano que atiende una historia de amor.

Por último, aunque muchos puedan considerar la relación entre Isabel y Tristao machista, yo creo que esta deriva de una pasión animal provocada por el sinfín de acontecimientos que intentan frustrar sus planes de futuro como marido y mujer. El lenguaje es exquisito y alcanza todo su esplendor en las escenas más íntimas, bajo la atenta mirada de la floresta omnipresente.

Recomiendo este libro a todo el mundo, especialmente a aquellos que sienten devoción por el país tan especial que es Brasil. Es un viaje literario a través de una tierra llena de contrastes y maravillas, donde la historia, la cultura y el amor se entrelazan para crear una historia inolvidable.
July 15,2025
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"Brazil" didn't seem all that exciting at the start. I was really quite annoyed by the naivety of the couple. Their actions and decisions made me roll my eyes more than once. However, I'm extremely glad that I persisted in reading. As the story progressed and they embarked on their journey back to the East after the exchange of skin colour, the true meaning began to unfold before my eyes. I had initially expected that only the skin colour would be different, but the author added an interesting twist. Not only did their physical appearance change, but the characters themselves also underwent a certain transformation. It was a fascinating development that kept me engaged until the very end.

I also derived a great deal of enjoyment from the double meanings present throughout the text. They added an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story, making me think and reflect on the various interpretations. It was like uncovering hidden treasures with each turn of the page. Overall, "Brazil" proved to be a much more engaging and thought-provoking read than I had initially anticipated.

July 15,2025
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This was an astonishingly sensual and beautiful work of fiction.

If one is able to overcome some of the overly sexual descriptions and look beyond them, one will be rewarded with a great work of fiction.

It is a novel that addresses the reality of the human condition. Although it is set in Brazil, it could be found anywhere in the world, where racial inequality, poverty, and violence coexist with the abundance and ease of the privileged.

Updike allows us to envision what it would be like if that coexistence could be easily swapped with just a flick of magic, and more importantly, that we are born into our condition simply by chance.

The story takes us on a journey through the lives of the characters, showing us the harsh realities they face while also hinting at the possibility of a better world.

It makes us question our own beliefs and values, and forces us to consider the role that luck plays in our lives.

Overall, this is a thought-provoking and engaging work of fiction that is well worth reading.
July 15,2025
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When John Updike is truly in his element, he is nearly unrivaled. The short stories he published in The New Yorker many years ago were uniformly excellent. There seems to be a misperception that Updike was confined to the New York-Boston area. While that was indeed his stomping ground, his readership was far from limited to that region. I haven't delved into his "Rabbit" series. In fact, aside from "Brazil" and "In the Beauty of the Lilies," I can recall only one other of his titles. "In the Beauty of the Lilies" is an odd book. The first two stories, Clarence and Teddy, are well-crafted, but the last two, Esther and Clark, are best skipped. However, this can happen to authors sometimes, can't it? A book that is very good in some parts and very bad in others. Sadly, the bad parts have a tendency to overshadow the good. This is also the case with "Brazil." It's a better-than-average boy-meets-girl story, which is quite an accomplishment considering the plethora of such tales in the literary world. Of course, there is sex in it. Updike rarely refrains from including such elements. "Brazil" also wouldn't have been a hit with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Worse still, Updike loses his touch at the conclusion. This, too, can happen to authors, even highly accomplished ones like Updike. He didn't have to end the novel the way he did, and as a result, he spoils it.


July 15,2025
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I WISH I COULD GIVE THIS BOOK A NEGATIVE 100 STAR RATING.

This book is an absolute disaster. From the very first page, it fails to engage the reader. The plot is convoluted and makes no sense, leaving the reader completely confused. The characters are one-dimensional and lack any depth or development. There is no emotional connection to be found, making it impossible to care about what happens to them.

The writing style is also atrocious. The sentences are poorly constructed and the grammar is full of errors. It seems as if the author did not bother to proofread or edit their work. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, further detracting from the overall experience.

In conclusion, this book is a waste of time and money. I would not recommend it to anyone. Save yourself the frustration and choose a different book to read.
July 15,2025
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John Updike was initially an unknown author to me. However, upon reading some reviews here on GR, he caught my attention. His acclaim was such that I decided to give his work a try.


The only title available in my library was "Brasil". So, I thought, why not?


To be honest, it was not a complete disappointment. Maybe it was only half a disappointment. There were several issues I had with this book. Firstly, I read it in Portuguese. This is always a minus because the original language is the best way to capture the essence of the writer. In this case, it was even more so because the book was about Brasil and Portuguese-speaking characters. And Brasilians do not speak like this, not even in books. Secondly, the characters all seemed to have the same voice, the same language, and the same vocabulary. The prostitute mother, the diplomatic father, the "Bandeirante", the Indian - all had some philosophical statements about the world, the government, and the colonization. Thirdly, the plot. The couple Tristão and Isabel go through enormous and varied adversities, some of which were totally unrealistic. Everyone dies (violently) except for both of them. They don't even get a scratch, just some diarrhea.


However, there were also some good things about the book. The metaphors were really good in some places. The narrator's voice was able to describe not only the places but also the mindsets. And the end was an allegory for the whole book, for love, for Brasil, and maybe for life itself.


Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 stars.
July 15,2025
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Many people wonder what to write and although I can't think of anything specific. There are periods when I have to read this book, but when I start reading, I find myself in that fictional Latin America, where there are shady alleys, wild jungles, lost adventures, political intrigues, and bubbling Indians. However, here the most beloved thing was still there. I completely forgot to read this one of Tristan and Isolde or Tristan and Isabel's unfinished story.

Just as Brazil can be loved and hated, so can this book.
July 15,2025
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I feel very happy when I am able to solve the problem of combinations with ease. Mainly, everyone is amazed and I look confident. That's how I am now, looking proud, because the book is very helpful.

Also, it was very difficult to complete the problem without creams. Writing more - simply does not occur to me/is not possible.

Moreover, I find that when I focus on the task at hand and use the knowledge I have learned, I can often achieve good results. This gives me a great sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue learning.

I believe that as long as I keep working hard and practicing, I will be able to improve my skills in solving combination problems and achieve better grades in my studies.

July 15,2025
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The Leftist narrative has become a prominent and influential force in contemporary society. It presents a particular perspective on various issues, often emphasizing social equality, justice, and the need for systemic change.

Those who adhere to the Leftist narrative believe that society should be restructured to address the inequalities that exist. They advocate for policies that aim to reduce economic disparities, provide equal opportunities for all, and protect the rights and interests of marginalized groups.

However, the Leftist narrative is not without its critics. Some argue that it can be too extreme or utopian, and that its proposed solutions may not be practical or sustainable. Others believe that it忽视了个体的责任和努力, and places too much emphasis on collective action and government intervention.

Despite these criticisms, the Leftist narrative continues to shape public discourse and political debate. It has inspired social movements and activism, and has led to the implementation of policies and reforms in many countries.

In conclusion, the Leftist narrative is a complex and controversial topic that requires careful consideration and analysis. While it may have its flaws, it also offers important insights and perspectives that can contribute to a more just and equitable society.
July 15,2025
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Now I'm thinking about this more carefully. If it's stronger alcohol and I can't handle it
July 15,2025
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The story of Tristao and Isabel is a captivating one. It begins with their initial contact and an instant attraction that pulls them towards each other. Their journey then takes them through married life, filled with experiences and travels across the length and breadth of Brazil.

'Brazil' is not just a retelling of the story of Tristan and Iseult; it is a continuation that is rich with Shakespearean allusions, especially to Romeo and Juliet. It has an epic scope, portraying human experience, love, the many facets of Brazil, and carrying universal resonances.

The portrayal of love in the story is ambiguous. It's hard to tell if Tristao and Isabel are truly, irrevocably in love, have a deep spiritual connection that can't be refuted, are simply in lust, or are utterly, perhaps detrimentally, obsessed with each other. This ambiguity allows the story to be read through multiple lenses, provoking a multitude of responses that are shaped by the readers' personal experiences.

I believe it is a love story at its core, but it is also a vehicle for poignant social, political, and economic insights. It's a thought-provoking exploration of various themes such as fidelity, sexual dynamics, gender, race, class, and social mobility.

Updike's writing is beautifully luminous, with a poetic cadence in places. His ability to evoke the spirit of Brazil in all its beauty, mysticism, squalor, and variety is astonishingly good. The elements of magical realism in the novel took me completely by surprise, adding entirely unexpected layers and making it an exceptionally good read and a joy to have discovered.

The quotes from the story further enhance its depth and complexity. They offer glimpses into the characters' thoughts and emotions, highlighting the themes and ideas that run throughout the narrative.

For example, the description of Copacabana beach as a place where all colors merge into one joyous, sun-stunned flesh color shows the unity and diversity that exists in Brazil. The idea that on the beach, we seem free but are actually bound by the costume of circumstance emphasizes the complexity of human existence.

The quotes about love, such as "love is a dream" and "our deep selves welcome our catastrophes," add to the ambiguity and mystery of the relationship between Tristao and Isabel. They also raise questions about the nature of love and its role in our lives.

The statements about sexual morality, romanticism, and realism provide insights into the social and cultural context of the story. They show how these concepts intersect and influence the characters' actions and decisions.

Overall, 'Brazil' is a remarkable novel that combines a compelling love story with profound social, political, and economic commentary. It is a work of art that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it.
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