Brazil, Paradise Lost: Are you ready for the truth?

By comparing the country with other nations, the book describes what Brazil really is as opposed to what it could be. Elmer Ponte uses indicators and statistics to accurately delineate the country’s problems. He also gives forceful examples of the harsh lives of many Brazilian people, as a consequence of public sector waste, privilege and corruption. The indicators reveal the quantitative dimension of the social and economic issues, while a rich collection of cases and examples portrays the human aspect of a perverse, often tragic reality. The book questions the romantic, superficial vision that many foreigners have of Brazil, but it also expresses high hopes based on the Brazilian people’s talent and the country’s “strategic wealth”, the greatest in the world. The dense but free flowing text provides in depth knowledge of Brazil and offers a chance for the reader to correct any misconceptions – and to do so in a pleasurable manner. This is essential reading for anyone who loves Brazil, who has any business dealings in the country or who simply wishes to visit this great land and its beautiful, hospitable people. And while learning more about Brazilian reality, readers will also draw conclusions about their own country, because the issues addressed are not exclusive to Brazil. In other words, the book is also useful for those who wish to know more about their own land. And that (once more) makes it a must.