mhoffrob's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy historical fiction which introduces me to a time or place I know little about, stories which introduce me to the emotions and senses of a different era. The Air You Breathe is just such a novel. Set in Brazil before and through the second world war, we meet Dores and Graca, and watch their friendship, talents, and lifes grow and expand. Dores, orphaned and raised by a cook at the Great House of a sugar plantation, and Graca, the plantation new "Little Miss" who arrives at around age 9. Music becomes their savior, taking them places in life they never expected, but which Graca demanded and Dores became enamored with.
Well written and engaging, Dores narrates their lives mostly chronologically from the end of her life, with interspersed short stretches about her later years. This technique keeps the interest building to a dramatic conclusion. Along the way tales of Rio in the 30s and 40s, of Brazilian history and culture, and of the music of samba educate and entertain. A very enjoyable read.
With thanks to NetGalley, Frances de Pontes Peebles, and Riverhead Books for the advanced readers copy.
Well written and engaging, Dores narrates their lives mostly chronologically from the end of her life, with interspersed short stretches about her later years. This technique keeps the interest building to a dramatic conclusion. Along the way tales of Rio in the 30s and 40s, of Brazilian history and culture, and of the music of samba educate and entertain. A very enjoyable read.
With thanks to NetGalley, Frances de Pontes Peebles, and Riverhead Books for the advanced readers copy.
bibliopage's review against another edition
3.0
This lyrical and atmospheric novel hits mostly the right notes!
caitlink's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
emilyusuallyreading's review against another edition
3.0
What I Liked
The friendship between Graca and Dores is well-written and tangible. The divides between their classes and the strong bond of friendship is the most beautiful part of this novel by far.
What I Didn't Like
Even though I love a good friend romance novel, I struggled to make it through this one. It is overly written and drawn out, with many, many detailed paragraphs about the Samba and music of the time, which is lovely if you are interested in that, but it did ultimately detract from the purpose of this novel, which was a tale of a friendship.
The friendship between Graca and Dores is well-written and tangible. The divides between their classes and the strong bond of friendship is the most beautiful part of this novel by far.
What I Didn't Like
Even though I love a good friend romance novel, I struggled to make it through this one. It is overly written and drawn out, with many, many detailed paragraphs about the Samba and music of the time, which is lovely if you are interested in that, but it did ultimately detract from the purpose of this novel, which was a tale of a friendship.
campreadkarin's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lindasdarby's review against another edition
2.0
I know this book got great reviews but I just couldn't totally get into it. I went on vacation and it was easy to put down and I feel like I don't even want to pick it back up. There are too many books I do want to read so this is getting returned to the library. If any of you read it and say it is great maybe I will give it another try.
shornerk's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of my favorite books of 2018. The story is a rich investigation of the culture and history of samba. The story uses fictional characters to investigate the ethical dilemmas of the real-life Carmen Miranda as she was tossed into international stardom between the conflicting demands of Hollywood (becoming an objectified woman) and political changes that adjusted narratives of what it meant to be authentically Brazilian in response to foreign intervention and political power. The fictional characters are beautifully flawed, complex, and human. The narrative story commands a beautiful use of flashbacks and storytelling with language that is beautiful for insights into human conditions (I highlighted a lot of my favorite quotes). Loved the book.
akingston5's review against another edition
“We are all beautiful in our youth. And we are all forgiven.”
•••
“Shopgirls, good-time girls, cleaning girls, cigarette girls, errand girls, candy girls, showgirls, butterfly girls, and girls like Graça and me, who refused to be anything but ourselves. This is, of course, the most dangerous thing any girl can be.”
•••
Dores begins life as a servant on a Brazilian sugar cane plantation to the “little miss” — Graça— and we follow their journey through the birth of samba in 1920s Brazil. The story is beautifully written with a coming of age/star-rising story set in a unique backdrop, even if we do know what’s coming the entire time. While it’s not my favorite, I get all the buzz about it and it’s definitely worth a read!
•••
“Shopgirls, good-time girls, cleaning girls, cigarette girls, errand girls, candy girls, showgirls, butterfly girls, and girls like Graça and me, who refused to be anything but ourselves. This is, of course, the most dangerous thing any girl can be.”
•••
Dores begins life as a servant on a Brazilian sugar cane plantation to the “little miss” — Graça— and we follow their journey through the birth of samba in 1920s Brazil. The story is beautifully written with a coming of age/star-rising story set in a unique backdrop, even if we do know what’s coming the entire time. While it’s not my favorite, I get all the buzz about it and it’s definitely worth a read!