Clarice Lispector
Books by Clarice Lispector
“The example I have chosen is a very short novel and her last published work, written when she was dying of cancer. In it she depicts ordinary women in Brazil. The ones who are migrants and come from the north-east, fetch up in Rio and try to make their way in very menial jobs. The story, which is told by a self-absorbed male narrator, plots the life and early death of Macabea, a poor young woman from the north-east who ends up in Rio working as an incompetent typist. What is interesting is that through this male narrator, who both loathes and is fascinated by his fictional creation, Lispector is exposing the nature of patriarchal society in Brazil. She also evokes an enormous tenderness for women who don’t have a voice and can’t make sense of life, and yet just get on with it. It is only about 100 pages long and it is a really beautiful novel.” Read more...
The Best Latin American Novels
John King, Literary Scholar
Interviews where books by Clarice Lispector were recommended
The Best Latin American Novels, recommended by John King
From magical realism to political upheaval, John King, Professor Emeritus at Warwick University, recommends five essential works of Latin American fiction – and reveals what Jorge Luis Borges was like in person.
