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Iracema, paperbackPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soon
Iracema, hardcoverHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soon
About this book

An arrow wounds a stranger; the hand that draws the bow reaches out to heal him.

In the forests of Ipú, Iracema rests beneath an oitycica tree, fitting feathers to her arrows while her bird companion explores her basket. Then an unfamiliar warrior appears. She shoots, sees his pain, and rushes to help. José de Alencar’s romance begins with this sudden turn from fear to compassion, as two strangers face the distance between their worlds.

The warrior is Martim, who loses his way and finds shelter with Iracema’s father, Araken, a Tabajara shaman. A shared pipe, wild fruit, and cool water welcome him. But Martim comes from a settlement among the Pytiguaras, enemies of his hosts. Against that divide, Iracema explores love and sacrifice in a landscape of forests, white beaches, and restless seas.

What you’ll discover

  • An encounter charged with feeling Watch Iracema break her arrow as alarm gives way to care for the wounded stranger.
  • Hospitality across a dangerous divide Enter Araken’s hut, where a guest receives welcome before anyone asks about his origins.
  • A forest alive with detail Discover palm baskets, bright feathers, fragrant blossoms, and the small objects of Iracema’s daily life.
  • Love beside rival loyalties Meet two people whose first exchange carries the weight of conflict between their peoples.
  • A sea filled with longing Follow a fragile boat leaving Ceará, carrying a warrior, a child, and a dog.
What’s inside
Formats and delivery
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The same book in bigger, clearer type, from the first page.
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3 h 31 min, complete, read by Lucas Linden.
15-minute summary
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Paperback
6 × 9 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
Hardcover
6 × 9 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
Large print paperback
8.5 × 11 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.
Large print hardcover
8.5 × 11 in. Printing soon: leave your email under Paperback or Hardcover above.

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25 languages, side by side

Romance

Iracema

by José de Alencar· 1865

An Indigenous woman loves a Portuguese stranger amid tribal conflict.

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Iracema by José de Alencar, the cover

The author

José de Alencar

1829–1877 · Brazilian novelist

José de Alencar was a Brazilian writer, born in Messejana, Ceará, in 1829. He lived in Rio de Janeiro, where he died in 1877. He wrote novels, plays, and newspaper articles. His novels include O Guarani, published in 1857, and Iracema, published in 1865. He also worked as a lawyer and politician.

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