Gilka Machado, a pioneering figure in Brazilian literature, is having her complete poetry re-released for the fourth time, now published by Círculo de Poemas. This edition, curated by Jamyle Rkain, is notable as it has bridged a 20-year gap in her complete works from 1978 to 2017, reflecting the enduring influence Machado has had on female erotic poetry in Brazil. Not only does this release highlight her literary contributions, but it also addresses the barriers she faced, including her humble beginnings and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Machado's life story is compelling: she grew up in poverty, with a mixed-race background, and faced numerous obstacles, including a tumultuous marriage and lack of formal education. Despite these challenges, she emerged as a significant literary voice, reportedly writing her poems 'by the stove'. Her contributions extend beyond poetry, as she was among the first women to aspire to and achieve recognition within the Academia Brasileira de Letras, although she famously declined the offer. This illustrates her independent spirit and the societal constraints that often molded the paths of women artists in her time.

The re-release of Machado's work is more than a literary event; it symbolizes an important recognition of female erotic expression in literature, which has historically been marginalized. It encourages a new generation to explore her pioneering voice and the themes of desire and femininity in her poetry. As the book returns to bookstores, there is hope that Machado's legacy will inspire contemporary discussions on women’s roles in literature and society.