Gabriela, clavo y canela. (Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon)

Reviewed by Liliana Wendorff, Univ. of North Carolina at Pembroke -- Críticas, 8/15/2008

Amado, Jorge.
tr. by Rosa Corgatelli & Cristina Barros. U.S.: Vintage Español: Random House. 2008. 448p. ISBN 978-0-307-27956-9. pap. $14.95. FICTION
CLASSIC RETURNS

This edition of the world renowned Amado’s classic novel coincides with the 50th anniversary of its original publication in Saõ Paulo(Livraria Martins Editora, 1958). It is set in the rapidly developing town of Ilheus in the 1920s, as a mix of people, mestizos, mulattos, blacks, whitesarrive from other cities and countries, looking for work. One of them, Nacib, a restaurant entrepreneur, dreams of owning a cacao plantation some day. However, the sudden departure of his cook leaves him in a bind for a couple of days until he finds the perfect substitute. Gabriela is a mulatta who not only can cook but is extremely beautiful and affectionate. In the obviously male-dominated society, women are supposed to stay at home and be virtuous, while men—single as well as married—are free to enjoy the company of mistresses. And so Nacib marries her (although she comes from a low social class) to stop other men from enticing her with ridiculously high offers (a whole plantation, a house, etc.). Gabriela, however, is not a flower to be kept in a vase; she is a free spirit who would like to enjoy life to the fullest. Nevertheless, Nacib and Gabriela’s love for each other is everlasting. Amado’s portrayal of small-town life is superb. This novel was the basis for the movie by the same name, directed by Mauricio Sherman (1960). This entertaining novel will please all readers, particularly those who appreciate descriptive narratives; highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores.

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