The Brazilians

My wife and I met in Seminary. She is from Brazil and we plan on moving there when I graduate. I have been to Brazil several times over the past few years and have fallen in love with their culture. But until I read this book, I did not know much of the history of South America's largest country. Page's book is an easy read, entertaining, and very factual. I found my self turning to my wife on a regular basis to discuss what I had just read. He was always right on! If you are planning a mission, vacation, or know a bunch of Brazilians, you have got to read this book. Call it Brazilian History 101. A great intro into Brazil's culture and history

Very good book that gives an intriguing insight in the psyche of Brazilians. It goes well beyond what other works describe and talks about the soul of the people, rather than just describing of its customs. A must-read for anyone moving to Brazil

As a Brazilian I was curious about how Brazilian culture is perceived by a non Brazilian. Unfortunately, I didn't notice or it wasn't stated that this book was published/copyrighted back in 1995. Since then a lot of things have changed in Brazil. The author needs to update this book or write a new. Fortunately, I only spent approx. $4.75 for this as a used paperback.

I've read many supposedly non-fiction works in my life and in none of them have I found wilder claims not backed by precise notation and direct sources. At one point he says, "Brazil is now a leading producer of human misery." All good, then he goes on to talk about the issues supporting his claim about the misery. But to make such a claim, if one were a true scholar, one would need to back it up with the data from around the world, the misery index, how it's determined, what is the criteria for comparison, etc.? It's not there, it's his subjective opinion based on what he is determining as misery and then using the claim to substantiate his argument. Just about every page is filled with these subjective pronouncements, again, with little or no source notation to verify his so called facts. Having traveled to Brazil many times over the course of 15 years (I'm actually here now in RIo for 3 months) I see a different Brazil. I hope anyone who reads this book will reserve judgement and also see for themselves.

This book really gives the reader a balanced and unbiased view of brazil. After reading it you will have a much better appreication for the culture and life of Brazil and have some understanding into the people of this amazing continent. It is informative without being dry, though it is long and only for the person who is truely interesting in learning, not someone who just wants to visit Rio, lie on the beaches, and find good food. I highly recomend this book!

Whoever goes to Brazil for a longer time or wants to know a bit more about the Brazilian culture aside from their Carnaval and soccer should read this book. However, as it is roughly 15 years old, an update would surely make it even better. But still, highly recommendable book.

Brilliantly written, the history comes to life!

Wonderful read if you'd like to education yourself on Brazil and it's deep culture

I found this book illuminating. It's written by a foreigner who really knows and loves Brazil; whilst pulling no punches on it's huge problems.Each chapter handles a different topic - from religion and television (the cult of the telenovela) to the haves and have nots, violence and Lula as a political phenomenon (shame it's a little out of date on this). There are also chapters on the different ethnic groups.Information is peppered with personal experience and is never trivial, narcissistic or superficial (unlike the Malathronas book).

A must read if one wants to understand "Brazil"