Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon

Jorge Amado provides a wonderful partially true tale of the Brazilian cacao plantation era. He masterfully weaves simultaneous intrigues, persons and events into an often breath taking story that soon sucks you into the tale such that you will find excuses to keep reading to find out what happens next. Amado's imaginative writing leaves you thinking you witnessed the events first hand, in a movie, or maybe in a dream. And that is for the English version. The Spanish version ramps up the realism and authenticity even more. I suspect the original Portuguese version does it still more.I usually have about 10 books around the house, maybe 15, in various stages of reading them. Yet suddenly I felt compelled to read "Gabriela" again (the last reading was 15 years or so ago) and unfortunately discovered I had loaned my English and Spanish versions out at some point, and like most good books, they hadn't made it back home. I searched frantically a few of the well-known book store chains as the desire to reread this book increased daily. One of my co-workers just recently left to visit family in this area of Brazil and out of the blue he mentioned that way back when he had been at the bar that is the center of this book's events. I had tried to get the book out of my mind yet this conversation caused me to search for it more frantically. I finally ordered it through Amazon and the day it arrived I joyously picked it up and didn't want to put it down again! I began to devour the book again just as a snow storm arrived. So I finished it by the time the storm was over.Amado's writing puts him on an uncrowded pillar with Garcia Marques, Roa Bastos, Guirraldi, Borges and a few other authors who can write about common every day past events in the South American countryside yet make mundane events palpitate with life and energy. The imaginative writing style hypnotizes you into thinking you are actually witnessing or participating in the related events.My Brazilian uncle introduced me to Amado's writing in the '70's. A well to do banker, his pride and joy was his collection of hard-bound Jorge Amado books. As we discussed Garcia Marquez, Roa Bastos and other Latin American authors, he would shake his head and say emphatically, "Boy! they don't compare to Jorge Amado. You must read him to understand how an author makes magic with words. Amdao writes about Brazil's soul!" I often think of our discussions and his passion for Amado's writing and thank him for introducing me to Amado. Hopefully, you will soon be just as enchanted with this story as me.When you finish the book, collect your thoughts, catch your breath, determine what day it is and where you are, and decide you need more. Then you are ready for his other spectacular work, "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands". The Spanish version: "Dona Flor y sus Dos Maridos". The original book was so enchantingly entertaining and hilarious that it was made into a very decent Brazilian movie. Hmmm, I wonder if that is now available on DVD?robertoshidokan[...]

This book is quite humorous, a compelling read, and gives an a real feel for Brazilian society before feminine emancipation. It is the source of countless telenovelas in Brazil, and even Tom Jobim wrote a long overture about the title character. Amado was a giant.

Looks like I'm the lowest review on here so far. Well, I've been to Ilheus, Brazil (where the story takes place) twice and thought I'd enjoy the book even more than the average person, as I could envision the location. I just didn't get this story. I didn't care for the characters, the events in the town; nothing about the story grabbed my interest. I asked 2 Brazilian friends about why the book is considered one of the best Brazilian novels. They both said they started the book and couldn't finish it. They said it's important from a historical perspective on Brazil. I'm surprised myself I found nothing to like in this story. I'm open minded and find something of value in virtually everything, but it looks like there's a first time for everything. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it is clear the author worked hard in writing it. As others suggested, he keeps many stories going. Unfortunately, I didn't care for any of them. I think a 1 star is for when the author is lazy and the book is badly written. In this case, it's well written, Amado clearly worked his butt off on the story, but (maybe me and my 2 friends are weird) I found staring out my window more interesting than this simple-minded story of small town life in Brazil.

Iam a Brazilian and I long time ago I watched the NOVEL FROM THIs BOOK. My American friend asked me about this book. Then I bought for him. He loved one.😍😍

Nice book just what I wanted. I'm reading it while reading the Portuguese version. Its a pretty good translation though like all translations there's a few probable mistakes (though I could be the one whose wrong) and they leave out some of the words when they translate it. Like usual you miss something if you don't read it in the original language. But still a very good book even in English.

This book is the most entertaining and well written I have ever read. I couldn’t put it down. Love the characters😀💕

One of the great novels of Latin American literature, Gabriela stands out as a great read from start to finish. Not merely a beautiful love story, it probes deeply into the social fabric of a time and place - rural Brazil in the 1920s - when the country was transforming from a rough, frontier land into a modern nation. Amado is best known to an American audience by his novel,Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands, but Gabriela may well be his masterpiece. A must-read for anyone who loves world literature.

I found this story very entertaining. Amado developes several story lines at once. The reviewer who called iGabriel Clove and Cinnamon a romp is entirely correct. It is fun. I was an active librarian for 28 years and a reader all my life. My question is why didn't I come across this marvelous novel before this.? A fine romance.Junia Johns

I would give five stars for Music Magpie, the distributor. The book was a request from a friend who'd read it in her native language and wished to read an English version. I couldn't relate to the story, hence four stars.

Lovely book. I enjoyed it a lot and the book arrived and was in the good condition as advertised. All round good experience

We just visited paraty and this book was mentioned so many times, I really enjoyed the writing.

Excellent novel full of spice,excellent writing - gives a real flavour of Brazil (not that I've been lucky enough to visit that country).Vibrant characters, strong plot bursting with the joys of living.

At one point in this novel reference is made to  The Crime of Father Amaro  and this book certainly put me in mind of the work of Eca de Queiros. It's a kind of Brazilian western, with cocoa plantations replacing cattle ranches. Try to think of the set up of  Man Who Shot Liberty Valance [DVD] [1962 ] overlaid with the plot of a Palliser novel populated with characters from Priestley's  The Good Companions . Or if that's too complicated, just read the book. It's very good. The Crime of Father AmaroMan Who Shot Liberty Valance [DVD] [1962The Good Companions