Captains of the Sands
Jorge Amado · 1937
About this book
A group of street children survive by their wits in the streets of Salvador, Bahia, in this socially charged novel. Amado captures the Afro-Brazilian culture, poverty, and resilience of Bahia while exposing the failures of Brazilian institutions.
Why read this for language learning
This novel by Jorge Amado is an excellent intermediate read for Portuguese learners, offering a vivid portrayal of street children in Bahia. The language is accessible yet rich in regional Brazilian Portuguese, including colloquialisms and slang that provide authentic vocabulary exposure related to urban life, poverty, and childhood experiences. It offers significant cultural insights into the social realities and vibrant spirit of Salvador, Bahia. The engaging narrative and clear prose allow learners to follow the story easily while expanding their vocabulary and understanding of Brazilian social issues and regional expressions.
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