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The Alley

The Alley

O Beco
João  Calazans Filho
João Calazans Filho
Language: English
eBook (EPUB)
€3.26
€3.26

Synopsis

In his fourth novel, The Alley, acclaimed Brazilian author João Calazans Filho blends dark humor, regional flavor, and noir intrigue to deliver a gripping story set in the cocoa lands of southern Bahia. At the dawn of Brazil’s military dictatorship, amidst the brutality of rural coronelismo and a society ruled by fear and force, a string of unexplained murders shatters the deceptive calm of a small town. At the center of this “Brazilian Western” is Police Chief João — a charismatic, womanizing, debt-ridden bohemian more interested in carnival parades, gambling, and the comforts of Beco do Pinga (the infamous “Alley”) than in enforcing the law. But when a serial killer begins stalking the streets, João must confront a deadly game that threatens not only the city's fragile order but his own hedonistic lifestyle. The Alley itself becomes a living, breathing presence — the underbelly of the town where the workers spend their meager wages in bars, brothels, and gambling dens, all while trying to avoid deadly entanglements. Here, survival depends less on justice and more on instinct, alliances, and luck.

About João Calazans Filho

João  Calazans Filho
João Calazans Filho is a distinguished Brazilian writer whose work reflects the richness, contradictions, and cultural complexity of contemporary Brazil. Born in Salvador, in the heart of Bahia, Calazans Filho draws deeply from the rhythms, colors, and voices of the Northeast, crafting stories that bridge the personal and the universal. With a literary voice marked by lyricism, raw honesty, and social awareness, he has become known for portraying the depth of human experience — from everyday joys and longings to the profound struggles of identity, injustice, and transformation. His narratives often venture into bohemian worlds, political undercurrents, and the psychological landscapes of his characters, always guided by a powerful sense of purpose and humanity. Across novels, poetry, chronicles, and essays, João Calazans Filho explores universal themes such as love, memory, resilience, and the invisible structures that shape society. His writing is not only an artistic expression but also a cultural act — a tool for reflection and change. Books like O Beco, Cortina de Fumaça – Um Submundo Cruel, Rio Sol – Uma História de Fé, and O Pé de Cacau Encantado (indicated of the prestigious Jabuti Prize) showcase his narrative range and thematic depth. Calazans Filho’s work has been translated into ten languages and has reached readers around the globe, affirming his position as a vital voice in Brazilian literature. Beyond his publications, he is also an active cultural promoter, involved in educational and literary initiatives aimed at empowering new generations of writers and preserving the cultural memory of Bahia and Brazil. In all his projects, João Calazans Filho brings a unique blend of imagination, realism, and social conscience — inviting readers to not only read, but to feel, question, and dream.

Product specifications

BindingeBook (EPUB)
LanguageEnglish
Publishing dateWednesday, 21 May 2025
Edition1
AuthorJoão Calazans Filho
CategoryLiterature > Regional books