Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant (Library of Latin America)

A figura central deste romance é Leonardo, filho enjeitado de Leonardo Pataca e Maria da Hortaliça, criado pelos padrinhos - uma parteira e um barbeiro. O narrador, que freqüentemente interrompe a narrativa para comentar as ações das personagens, focaliza a vida agitada de Leonardo, seus casos com a mulata Vidinha, o namoro com Luisinha e seus planos para escapar das perseguições do severo major Vidigal. Recognized as a turning point in Brazilian literature, this entertaining novel of urban manners follows the ne'er-do-well Leonardo through his various romantic liaisons and frequent scrapes with the law. First printed in weekly installments in 1852, and later published in two volumes in 1854-55, Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant comprises a series of humorous vignettes held together by the adventures and misfortunes of this young rogue--who matures from a handful of a toddler into a ruffian of a boy and an idler of a young man--and his father, also named Leonardo. Manuel Antônio De Almeida tells a story in everyday language that is rich in detail of life on the streets and the modest circumstances of the free poor of Rio de Janeiro. Through satirical accounts of the escapades of characters who always seem close to the brink of some personal crisis or social misstep, yet who manage to pull through by hook or by crook, Almeida makes a subtle and incisive comment on Brazilian urban society and culture of the nineteenth century. Now available in a new and lively translation, Memoirs of a Military Sergeant occupies an important position in the satirical literature of Brazil and the world. Recognized as a turning point in Brazilian literature, this entertaining novel of urban manners follows the ne'er-do-well Leonardo through his various romantic liaisons and frequent scrapes with the taw. First printed in weekly installments in 1852, and later published in two volumes in 1854 -55, Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant comprises a series of humorous vignettes held together by the adventures and misfortunes of this young rogue -- who matures from a handful of a toddler into a ruffian of a boy and an idler of a young man -- and his father, also named Leonardo. "Excellent translation of a Brazilian classic first published as a serial in 1852-53. Sousa captures the vivacity and wit of the original while effectively evoking mood and historical milieu of free lower classes of Rio de Janeiro in early-19th century. Outstanding accompanying essays"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 58.