First off, I found this novel nestled among other famous novels at my coworking book shelves. I was bored one day and I decided to pick up a book instead of going into my long list of pdf and ebooks. This book is a self -published book by StevenJohn Gait in 2019. On the front page of the book it even has the original author’s signature and the message that that stated why he left the book at the co working space. Since his note was compelling enough, I decided to pick up the book.

It is really difficult to explain the genre of this book. It is a mix of thriller, a mix of soul searching, a mix of self-help. To me, it is atypical because the thriller and the conflicts that are quite difficult to digest for certain readers. This book is not for all ages rather for mature audiences or perhaps someone in their early 20's or young adult since there are some parts that require a bit of mature understanding.

Taking place in a remote fictional place in Brazil, I was introduced to a character called “ Bruno” , the protagonist of the story who is a misfit, an outcast, who is staying away from society due to his past and his past experiences. Bruno took us to explore the society that he seemed to resent yet at the same time, he craves a sense of belonging in that society.

I’ve spent so much time alone… it’s just sometimes I feel like I turned my back and hid myself away from society instead of making a real effort. I want to be a part of something. Something bigger than just me.

Along the story, we will be taken into Bruno’s present, past, and his future navigating himself and making amends with his past. Obviously, there is the “love” character that spices his life. In fact, more than two women who fill up his romance. One is unrequited the other is… questionable.

However, due to my little exposure to Brazilian culture, I feel the disconnection between the protagonist and his surroundings. I knew a little about the culture and background that made it challenging for me to read. And I kept questioning myself about contos and many other terms that I think the author should put in the footnote. But it is very intriguing that the novel itself is written by an author who is not native of Brazil nor a brazilian. It was my first time reading something with a Brazilian setting that made me want to know more about some tiny references and other things. Because, If you are accustomed to one's culture, you will notice that even simple things and habits can become a significant symbolism.