Reviews

Tempo de Graça, Tempo de Dor by Frances de Pontes Peebles

annamontana's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is the story of friendship and love. It is the story of Samba and Brazil. It is the story of fame and creativity.
I stumbled upon this book in trying to read around the world and I am so glad I did. This was beautiful. Starting in 1930's Brazil, it follows Dores and Graca, from young girls on a sugar plantation to fame in singing Samba, to Hollywood in the 1940s and beyond.

And now I must go listen to some Samba!

librarydancer's review against another edition

DNF. I loved the location of the novel, and parts were interesting...however, I was hoping to learn more of the history and culture of the country than the book provided.

It's not fair for me to judge the book on what I *hoped* it would contain, so I am not rating it.

readwithash's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

shu84's review against another edition

4.0

ორი გოგოს ცხოვრების ისტორია,ბევრი სამბა,ბევრი ცრემლები მაგრამ ბრაზილიური სერიალივით არ მთავრდება.

babsaway14's review against another edition

4.0

I couldn't put this book down. Unexpected surprise - strong friendship, great lead character, music. Loved this.

cassidys_bookshelf32's review against another edition

5.0

After seeing The Air You Breathe on so many favorites of 2018 lists I knew I needed to make it a priority in 2019. Wow. Just wow. I was immediately transported to 1930's Brazil to a sugar plantation where two young girls meet. One is Graca, the 'Little Miss' and Dores, the kitchen girl who has known nothing else. A friendship forms over their passion for music and for something bigger in life. Graca has the voice and determination to make something of herself and Dores has the words and the ability to help keep Graca in line. I was captivated by their journey in the world of samba and entertainment and flew through this over 400 page book in no time flat. If you loved the Hollywood vibe of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I think it is safe to say you will love The Air You Breathe. 5/5🌟

jellybeam's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

fabisarkis's review against another edition

5.0

Fast, light read. Interesting. Links a lot to Brazilian hist0ry in the 20th century. Very interesting, and captivating story about friendship and the depths of female relationships.

fatimazahrah's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

iluvpancakes8's review against another edition

3.0

The book itself was pretty good. My mood was quite sour while reading. I credit that to Graça’s character. She irked me.
A lot of the reviews I read said this book was a ‘beautiful portrayal of female friendships.’ This overarching review seems like a disservice to healthy female friendships and is not, nor should be seen as the norm.
I enjoyed the backdrop of Brazil’s political and social history.