Feb 21 • 02:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Pedro Cesarino reveals the structures of power in the Amazon in the book

Pedro Cesarino's new book critiques colonial power dynamics in the Amazon through a fictional narrative centered on the murder of Indigenous boys.

In Pedro Cesarino's latest book, he navigates the harsh realities faced by Indigenous communities in a fictional setting called Cidade da Fronteira in the Amazon. The story opens with the chilling account of seven Indigenous boys found murdered, exemplifying the brutal violence that exists in contemporary Brazil. Cesarino poignantly highlights a mother's anguish over her missing son, showcasing the despair and neglect faced by Indigenous families who are often denied the right to identify and bury their dead.

The narrative weaves through colonialist themes, drawing parallels to historical and ongoing injustices that affect Indigenous peoples. Cesarino, a philosopher and anthropologist, intricately critiques the structures of power that dominate both the educational systems and societal treatment of Indigenous populations. The book critiques a failed municipal program designed for Indigenous youth that, rather than offering education, perpetuates humiliation and exploitation, reflecting a broader systemic issue within Brazilian society.

By situating his work among previous narratives like "Rio Acima" and "A Repetição," Cesarino continues to explore the complexities of power dynamics in his fiction. His storytelling serves as both a reflection and a critique of the colonial legacies that persist in the Amazon, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, equity, and social justice in Brazil today.

📡 Similar Coverage