A review by em_ham
The Last Will and Testament of Senhor Da Silva Araujo by Germano Almeida, Sheila Faria Glaser

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.