My Discovery of Brazil

Through the lens of her experiences as a farmland owner in Pernambuco, Anna Russell provides a unique exploration of Brazilian national character, shaped by her anthropological insights. The narrative delves into the complexities of the Brazilian people's relationship with work and land amid the challenges posed by land-grabbing movements like the MST. Spanning her time from 1972 to 2000, the account highlights the struggles against local mafia influence and reflects on the broader societal attitudes and prejudices within a rapidly modernizing Brazil.