Luís Fernando Veríssimo, one of my favorite Brazilian writers

Our first Aula Viva (April 10, 2010) will be based on a text by Luís Fernando Veríssimo, one of my favorite Brazilian writers. I thought it would be timely and fun to write about him.

Luís Fernando Veríssimo was born in September 26, 1936 in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Veríssimo lived in the US with his father when he was a child and again between the ages of 17 and 20. Some of his writings reflect his experience in the US.

Writing runs in the family: Veríssimo is the son of Érico Veríssimo, another Brazilian writer.

Veríssimo gifts us with a rich collection of writings: four novels and a great number of short stories and chronicles. For 20 years he also wrote the comic strip “As Cobras”, in which snakes talk about everything, from the immensity of the universe to soccer to political issues. His writing is sharp and his sense of humor never fails to amaze and amuse me.

Luís Fernando Veríssimo has lived in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, New York, and Rome. I particularly like his writings describing his experiences in these cities. Take, for instance, his essay named “Breakfast”, in which he shares hilarious observations about a foreigner’s breakfast experience in the US; or “Um Dia em Nova York” in which Veríssimo talks about the immigration of Hispanics to the US.

To read more about Luís Fernando Veríssimo:

• Wikipedia – this page in English; unfortunately, it is very dry and does not have a whole lot of information.

• Portal Literal, Luís Fernando Veríssimo – This is an amazing site; it is in Portuguese. Among other things, here you will find: a chronological bio, books and writings about the writer, Veríssimo’s writings while living in different cities in the world, an animated version of the comic strip As Cobras, Veríssimo’s main characters, and many of his writings.

Some of my students are familiar with Veríssimo as I have used his work in classes. I hope you appreciate it, too.

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I got the picture from Breno Barros' blog. Obrigada, Breno!

For Portuguese lessons and cultural tips, visit StreetSmartBrazil.com