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A review by clarereadstheworld
The Last Will & Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo by Germano Almeida, Sheila Faria Glaser
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.