The novel “Não Se Esqueça de Mim!”, by author Solange Ocker, reveals a sensitive and impactful portrait of the lives affected by fishing and losses on the coast of Santa Catarina. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, the narrative delves into the depths of pain and longing, exploring how entire families are shaped by grief and the strength needed to move forward. The story revolves around Amélia, a young woman who, after her father disappeared in a tragic accident at sea, faces adversity alongside her mother, defying the standards of a male-dominated society.
The plot is complicated by the arrival of a young man from abroad, who returns without memories and needs to readapt to his new reality alongside his parents. The reunion of the two families, who intertwine through their respective stories of loss and adaptation, adds emotional layers to the narrative. Solange Ocker, inspired by her own experiences and literary influences ranging from Jane Austen to Nicholas Sparks, uses her writing to capture the essence of the village of Armação da Piedade and the cultural richness of the region, including the historic Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church and traditions Azoreans.
With a focus on resilience and female empowerment, Don’t Forget Me! addresses issues such as empty nest syndrome and sexual harassment, while celebrating the strength and community of people who fish for a living. Solange Ocker, a teacher and entrepreneur from Governador Celso Ramos, brings to light memories and local culture in a work that reflects the struggle and love that permeate the lives of fishing families.
What inspired you to write about the pain and resilience of families affected by the disappearance of loved ones at sea?
Born and raised in a coastal region, the sea has always held a strong fascination for me.Married to a fisherman, I learned that the sea, with its strength and mystery that represents both the beauty and the dangers of nature, can bring joy, but also sadness.
How did you develop the character of Amélia and what were the challenges in portraying her evolution throughout the story?
This safe and healthy environment gave her the structure, even at such a young age, to face adversity with resilience because her base was her family.
The novel explores Amélia’s mother’s fight against harassment and misogyny. How do you intend for readers to connect with this current theme through the story?
The exploration of Amélia’s mother’s fight against harassment and misogyny is a powerful way of approaching contemporary themes, as it invites readers to reflect on relevant social issues, to feel the pain and fears suffered by the character, but which personify the struggles daily lives of many women.
Can you talk about how Azorean culture and the village of Armação da Piedade influenced the creation of the setting and characters in “Don’t forget me!”?
The village setting, with its beaches, natural landscapes and a community closely connected to the sea, served as inspiration for the story’s setting. The proximity to the ocean was crucial in developing the emotional climate of the narrative, symbolizing both the beauty and the challenges for those who live close to the sea.
How did the fishing tradition and emblematic sites of the region shape the narrative and the characters’ experiences in the book?
Emblematic locations, such as the Florianópolis Public Market and the paradisiacal canary like Santo Antônio de Lisboa beach, are portrayed as key settings where important events in the plot take place.
The story includes deep themes such as female empowerment and empty nest syndrome. How did you balance these themes with the main plot?
Integrating these deep themes into the plot required a careful approach to ensure that all elements integrated in a cohesive and meaningful way. They were inserted into the developments of the main characters explored through the trajectories of characters who face personal and social challenges.
How did classic and contemporary literature influence your writing and the structure of “Don’t Forget Me!”?
In the case of classical literature, the influence was on universal themes such as loss, identity and the fight against the forces of nature. Furthermore, the construction of complex characters permeated by tragic moments refers to this period.The contemporary influence is seen in the more direct and realistic approach to social and emotional problems, including issues of gender and community.
What are your hopes for the book’s impact on perceptions of the difficulties faced by coastal communities and the strength of women in these situations?
Our proposal hopes to raise awareness faced by coastal communities and highlight the resilience and strength of women in this situation. It also exposes readers to the often harsh realities of coastal communities, such as dependence on fishing, vulnerability to the forces of nature, and the economic and social challenges these communities face.
We hope that the book will not only resonate emotionally with readers, but also lead them to reflect on their own perceptions regarding coastal communities and the role of women. We want a narrative that, in addition to entertaining, has the power to transform perspectives and generate a positive and lasting impact.
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