Brazil on The Rise

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For many in the Western world, Brazil is a place of constant wonder and fascination. This immense country contains beautiful coastlines, a large portion of the Amazon rainforest, and one of the world’s most racially diverse and colorful populations. To an outsider this country might seem overwhelming to absorb and comprehend. In Brazil On the Rise, the author Larry Rohter spends 40 years attempting to do just this, presenting his findings in a way that gives the reader a in depth look into this country’s vast historical, political and economical development, and cultural side. Rohter takes the reader on a tour of Brazil at lightening speed, which although at times a bit exhausting, leaves the reader with a sense of having visited Brazil from the comfort of their own homes.
The book begins with a short excerpt on how Rohter came to be involved with Brazil in the late 1970’s and how “over the past four decades, I have watched a very different Brazil come into being” (pg.19). Then he touches on brief facts about Brazil, intending to expanded later on in the book, such as it’s booming economy, which is now the 6th largest in the world and it’s classification with other BRIC economies such as Russia and China. The first chapter recounts the historical heritage Brazil has from the colonization of Portugal, Spanish, and other Western European countries. This colonization along with the importation of slavery from Africa set the foundation for economic, political, and social strife that has come to haunt it even today.
The first few chapters give a glimpse into Brazilian society and culture. Rohter describes the Brazilian people as having “a warmth and friendliness in personal relationships, even casual ones, that newcomers find en...

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...inuously uses a comparison between the United States and Brazil to give Western readers a foothold in comprehension. While the overall book read easily, at times the author became a bit too tedious in his details, overwhelming the readers. It could also be said that the author tends to use too much bias when describing his interpretation of various political leaders and situations. This leaves the reader to wonder why this country is still dealing with serious problems such as racism and poverty if the leaders are as competent as he describes. The book must be commended however on the merit that is a rare kind for such in depth and inclusive documentation. Overall, Brazil on the Rise is a great read for anyone who is interested in taking a closer look at this country

Works Cited

Brazil On the Rise. Larry Rohter. New York, NY:
Palgrave Macmillan, 2010. 304 pgs.

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