Introduction

This exhibit focus on Gabriela Cravo e Canela by Jorge Amado, one of his most famous novels, published in 1958 when the whole world was in upheaval. Despite polemic and long censorships in different countries ruled by dictatorial regimes (including a complete banishing of the author itself from entering some countries), this novel became a success later through other media, influenced readership and, most importantly cultures and perspectives.

Its context will be divided into two areas of influence, the original country where the work was written – Brazil;  and Portugal – a country that was heavily influenced by this novel and that has also seen a prohibition for its publication during the New State. This is a work that united two countries with great cultural similarities, as well as the world, with humanistic concerns and freedom rights as a common ground.

This exhibition traces the history and origins of this written narrative and shows the reader how a medium that was almost burnt by an oppressive regime, kindled instead a fire that spread worldwide and across media.