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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I loved the aspects of the setting and music in this book. But I hated the actual friendship that was the heart of this story. Graća was a terrible person who was extremely self centered and selfish. She treated everyone around her like they existed for the soul purpose of her to use them. Which turned the novel sour and unlikeable.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you are in the mood for a slow burner and detailed character study, add The Air You Breathe to your list. The story follows Graça and Dores from their childhood on a sugar plantation in 1930’s Brazil to the glitzy streets of Hollywood. Through Dores, our narrator, we dive into the world of samba and examine the role of women (in Brazil and Hollywood), racism, class differences, and the dynamics of dysfunctional relationships.
Most of the book’s themes are explored through Graça and Dores’ codependent relationship. Although the writing is lyrical, this structure means the book sometimes moves at a glacial pace. I also felt that the character development stagnated during their rise to fame – not that I can speak from experience, but I always imagined the type of fame Graça and Dores were exposed to would massively change your personality.
That said, I enjoyed this book. The historical and social details about Brazil stood out to me, as did Dores’ realization that deifying those we love can also skew our memories of them - for better or worse.
Most of the book’s themes are explored through Graça and Dores’ codependent relationship. Although the writing is lyrical, this structure means the book sometimes moves at a glacial pace. I also felt that the character development stagnated during their rise to fame – not that I can speak from experience, but I always imagined the type of fame Graça and Dores were exposed to would massively change your personality.
That said, I enjoyed this book. The historical and social details about Brazil stood out to me, as did Dores’ realization that deifying those we love can also skew our memories of them - for better or worse.
Quarantine makes me finish books I’d rather not. Slow. Too much extra detail. Characters are endearing but, when the end is too similar to Rose finally going home to Titanic, you just have to throw your hands up.
An incredible story with characters I grew to love so much. So beautifully written, I felt I was there with them watching performances or sharing a drink. Highly recommend!
3.5
The obsession that one of the characters has for another of the character is just annoying. The plot of the story is nice but I feel like the events repeat over and over again, under different circumstances... I like the way music and samba are involved in the story but wouldn’t recommend the book.
The obsession that one of the characters has for another of the character is just annoying. The plot of the story is nice but I feel like the events repeat over and over again, under different circumstances... I like the way music and samba are involved in the story but wouldn’t recommend the book.