Days of Bossa Nova

A fabulous read, which does for Brazil what Angela's Ashes did for Ireland. Perfect for anyone who enjoys reading a great story while learning about the music, food, and political climate of a foreign country. Days of Bossa Nova is about a family struggling every day in one of the poorest sections of Sao Paolo. Told in the first person by seventy-five year old Felipe Navarra, a former radio celebrity, the novel begins in 2009 with the funeral of Felipe's grouchy older sister, Ra. I was hooked from the very first page, when Ra's corpse and coffin crash down from her second floor bedroom through the ceiling of the first floor. Felipe, fortunately, is in the bathroom at the time, having taken an extra diuretic pill. For me, the combination of sorrow and humor was irresistible, and I was eager to keep reading. From there, the novel flashes back to 1940, to six-year old Felipe's arrival in Sao Paolo with his widowed mother and five siblings. Their life is difficult, but the story is bursting with energy: great dialogue, wry humor, interesting details, and descriptions that put me right there with Felipe and family. I could smell their delicious coffee, brewed through a white sock, and taste Felipe's best treat, a can of condensed milk. As a young man, Felipe is offered a chance to leave this poverty and become the host of a radio show, his long-time dream. But this opportunity proves a moral testing ground. I won't reveal more, except to say that I really love the arc of Felipe's story. I also love the many well developed characters, the authentic historical details, and most of all, the voice of the main character. He speaks in fluent but somewhat inflected English, with occasional sprinklings of Portuguese expressions and idioms. For example, Felipe describes office gossip as "comments at the small mouth, whispered in coffee breaks." I find this and similar unexpected phrases an effective and charming way to suggest another language. I highly recommend Days of Bossa Nova as a family saga, a riveting political drama, and a love letter to the city of Sao Paolo in its heyday.

This beautiful debut novel transported me to another time and place -- and I was sorry to have to "return" when the novel ended. Ines Rodrigues is a writer of tremendous talent and imagination, who has created characters and situations so real-seeming that I had to keep reminding myself that this was fiction. But while the plot and its people seem entirely real, they are never predictable. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen and was never disappointed. Days of Bossa Nova hit the sweet spot between serious literature and a fun read, and I learned a lot about Brazil while thoroughly enjoying the plot, the characters and the wonderful writing itself. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Ms. Rodrigues will do next!

Ms. Rodriques is an author of remarkable talent. Although this is her first novel, her storytelling surpassed my expectations by miles. This is a fast read and has the reader wanting to turn to the next pages. You feel like you the reader are walking the streets of Sao Paulo and taking in all it has to offer. The characters are so vivid; you get the sense that you know them yourself. Bravo, Bravo, Ms. Rodriques for a enjoyable book. I am looking forward to your next with great anticipation. A must read. A surprise awaits all of you.

I devoured this book, I got so hooked by Pedro's story! I loved the fiction story of this character while taking us through the real history of Brazil, I've learned so much about it while being so entertained. I also loved the very pleasant writing style of the author, with humor, intelligence and a little pinch of sarcasm. I got so much into it, that I must admit I was a little sad to finish the book and not be part of Pedro's adventures anymore. I hope they will be a second book soon?! Amel

Days of Bossa Nova is an evocative, lyrical family tale set in Sao Paolo. The city comes to brilliant life. While the language is beautiful, the story remains gripping and powerful. The intelligent Felipe narrates his family story with intelligence, sympathy and humor. This is a remarkable first novel that will transport you to the days of Bossa Nova in Sao Paolo. Enjoy!

A wonderful debut novel. Ines Rodrigues does a beautiful job of weaving a family saga through two timelines.The author's beloved hometown of Sao Paulo becomes one of the book's main characters and Rodrigues does a superb job of describing how the changing political scene in Brazil causes the decline of this vibrant city. Through her vivid descriptions you can hear the sounds of the city and its music and almost smell the scent of Brazilian coffee. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Captures the voice and spirit of a time in Brazil's history when that country was going through tremendous political, economic and social changes. Told through the eyes of a man who rose to success from poverty, by making a difficult and ultimately haunting choice. The writing is direct and spare, yet so evocative. Strong emotions, troubling events, and enduring connections are all conveyed with the purest of language.

Although Days of Bossa Nova is a novel, I was convinced while reading that it was the memoir of a real – and fascinating – person. Rodrigues has succeeded in writing a compelling portrait of a flawed yet sympathetic man whose rise from rags to riches is complicated by family, love, and a brutal regime. The novel has a rich sense of place – so much so that the city of Sao Paolo, with its beauty, danger and humanity, is truly one of the main characters. I recommend it.