Summary:

"Out of Earth" by Sheyla Smanioto is a poignant novel set in a small Brazilian village, intertwining the lives of its inhabitants with themes of resilience, identity, and survival. Smanioto's lyrical prose captures the haunting beauty of the landscape and the complex emotions of the characters as they navigate their harsh realities and strive for a better future. The novel delves deeply into the cultural and social fabric of Brazil, offering a richly textured narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

First translation into English of Desesterro, the multiple prize-winning novel by Sheyla Smanioto first published in Brazil, 2015 This remarkable Brazilian novel has been garlanded with multiple awards and accolades since its initial publication, as Desesterro: the prestigious SescPrize for Literature, the Machado de Assis award and the Jabuti award.

The story follows four generations of female characters as they navigate the hardships of life in the parched landscape of the Brazilian sertão. Male figures are peripheral, but are also revealed as the origin of much of the suffering in the novel, generating for the women a kind of exile not only in relation to the land but to their sense of self.

This is a ground-breaking feminist work, a bracing modernist fable, of sorts, formally reminiscent of Eimear McBride's A Girl Is Half-Formed Thing

Editorial Reviews:

"A hauntingly beautiful novel that captures the essence of rural Brazil. Smanioto's prose is both lyrical and powerful." - Latin American Literature Review

"Sheyla Smanioto masterfully weaves a tale of resilience and identity. Out of Earth is a must-read for those seeking profound literary fiction." - BookWorld

"A compelling and evocative narrative. Smanioto's debut novel is a testament to the strength of the human spirit." - The Literary Times

About the Author:

Sheyla Smanioto is a Brazilian author known for her evocative storytelling and lyrical prose. "Out of Earth" is her debut novel, which has garnered critical acclaim for its deep exploration of human emotions and social issues. Smanioto's work is celebrated for its cultural richness and literary depth.