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The Last Will and Testament of Senhor Da Silva Araujo by Germano Almeida, Sheila Faria Glaser
em_ham's review
4.0
I found this book when planning a holiday in Cape Verde, and read it whilst away. Knowing some basic facts about the country definitely helped contextualise the novel, and being there made it come to life. This novel is touching, humorous and thought-provoking. It explores how we see ourselves versus how others see us: by the end of it, I didn't feel I'd grasped a 'truth' about the protagonist, Sr. Napumoceno da Silva Araújo, and I suppose that's the point. It also left me with a vivid impression of Cape Verdean life.
The Last Will & Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo reminded me of Gabriel García Márquez in its sweeping portrait of a life, and some slightly magical elements (e.g. the 10,000 umbrellas), although I wouldn't call it magical realism.
I'd like to read other books by Germano Almeida but unfortunately I don't think any others have been translated into English.
The Last Will & Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo reminded me of Gabriel García Márquez in its sweeping portrait of a life, and some slightly magical elements (e.g. the 10,000 umbrellas), although I wouldn't call it magical realism.
I'd like to read other books by Germano Almeida but unfortunately I don't think any others have been translated into English.
blueyorkie's review against another edition
3.0
“O Testamento do Sr. Napumoceno da Silva Araújo” is a bittersweet chronicle evoking the life and customs of Cape Verde society throughout the last decades of Portuguese colonization.
inecape's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
addisonleigh's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
3.5
The main character in the book, Senhor da Silva Araújo is dead at the beginning of the book. The narrative centers around his last will and testament, a lengthy document he left behind detailing the events of his life, and explaining the reasoning between many of his actions throughout his life.
.
The explanation of what is in his will, where Senhor Araújo presents himself in his own words, is balanced against his nephew's memories of his uncle, and illegitimate daughter who never knew her father when he was alive, but dedicates herself to finding out as much as possible about his life by talking to the people who knew him.
.
Often the way people remembered Senhor Araújo is very different to the way he wanted to be remembered himself. The novel therfore raises questions about how we would want to be remembered after our passing, and how people might actually remember us. It is therefore a little uncomfortable reading, as it forces us to confront our own mortality, and asks the awkward question of how people might remember us. .
Senhor Araújo, like most of us, has worked hard to create a certain image of himself, and worked hard on how he wished to be seen by others. It's sad to see how differently he was remembered by those closest to him, and definitely made me think.
.
There's also a very uncomfortable rape scene, that I didn't feel was properly dealt with, so I would advise caution to readers who may find that particularly challenging to read.
.
The explanation of what is in his will, where Senhor Araújo presents himself in his own words, is balanced against his nephew's memories of his uncle, and illegitimate daughter who never knew her father when he was alive, but dedicates herself to finding out as much as possible about his life by talking to the people who knew him.
.
Often the way people remembered Senhor Araújo is very different to the way he wanted to be remembered himself. The novel therfore raises questions about how we would want to be remembered after our passing, and how people might actually remember us. It is therefore a little uncomfortable reading, as it forces us to confront our own mortality, and asks the awkward question of how people might remember us. .
Senhor Araújo, like most of us, has worked hard to create a certain image of himself, and worked hard on how he wished to be seen by others. It's sad to see how differently he was remembered by those closest to him, and definitely made me think.
.
There's also a very uncomfortable rape scene, that I didn't feel was properly dealt with, so I would advise caution to readers who may find that particularly challenging to read.
rhodaj's review
3.0
This was my read the world selection for Cabo Verde.
At the beginning of the book Araujo’s (who is referred to throughout the book as Sr. Napumoceno), 387 page will is being read out to some of his hopeful beneficiaries.
As his only remaining living relative, Carlos Araujo is expecting to inherit his uncle’s sizeable wealth, until it is revealed that most of the estate has been left to his daughter Maria, whom no one even suspected was his daughter.
The reading of the will and the exploration of a series of notebooks written by the deceased reveal the escapades of a man that no one knew anything about other than the serious, chaste gentleman he presented to the public.
This book was ok. It was not overly engrossing, nor was it completely boring, however it’s not one I would be going out of my way to recommend to others. I would give this book 2.75 stars, but have rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
At the beginning of the book Araujo’s (who is referred to throughout the book as Sr. Napumoceno), 387 page will is being read out to some of his hopeful beneficiaries.
As his only remaining living relative, Carlos Araujo is expecting to inherit his uncle’s sizeable wealth, until it is revealed that most of the estate has been left to his daughter Maria, whom no one even suspected was his daughter.
The reading of the will and the exploration of a series of notebooks written by the deceased reveal the escapades of a man that no one knew anything about other than the serious, chaste gentleman he presented to the public.
This book was ok. It was not overly engrossing, nor was it completely boring, however it’s not one I would be going out of my way to recommend to others. I would give this book 2.75 stars, but have rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
barbarabarbara's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
drexedit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0