Amazon bestselling author Cláudia Castro has released her novel In the Arms of My Protector. The book combines passion, crime and investigation to tell the unlikely story of Fabrizio Flauzi , a promising young police officer, and Mariana Vaz, a girl determined to prove her father’s innocence while facing a dangerous human trafficking ring. In addition to the captivating plot, the book highlights the reality of sex trafficking in Brazil and offers practical information to raise awareness and protect readers.
Your experience with victims of violence must have been transformative and challenging. How did you come up with the idea of channeling this experience into literature, and specifically into stories that combine romance and such sensitive topics as human trafficking?
Caring for victims of violence requires technical skills, education, and, above all, sensitivity and respect for the victim. In 2014, I felt the need to reach out to women everywhere and raise awareness about the issues of violence. At that time, my husband suggested that I write. I chose romance novels because love stories connect with women, and this was how I would achieve my goal.
“In the arms of my protector” brings an intense mix of passion and social denunciation. How do you balance these two dimensions in the narrative, ensuring that romance and awareness go hand in hand?
I balance it out through everyday situations in the novel’s plot. The characters, despite being fictional, feel pain, are late, lose their patience, and experience financial hardship, all very similar to real life. In this way, I can relate the two themes.
Brazil has alarming numbers regarding human trafficking, especially of women. How do you hope your book can impact public awareness on this issue and even help potential victims?
I hope to impact the collective consciousness by bringing the issue into people’s homes. I use language in my romance novels that speaks to all social classes. I take care to make reading an enjoyable experience for the reader. As the story unfolds, I introduce the modus operandi of gangs, places where they are reported, and above all, I draw inspiration from reality.
In the year 2024, my book In the Arms of my Protector was translated into Spanish and is available on Amazon Spain.
The relationship between Mariana and Fabrizio is marked by emotional and moral conflicts. What was it like creating such complex characters and involving them in a scenario of crimes and investigation?
I almost always use references from people I know, and I draw inspiration from facts, of course, taking great care to preserve anonymity. In addition, as a social worker I have always worked in very complex situations. Regarding the setting of crimes and investigations, as we assist victims of violence, we work closely with the security forces, so this is an easy way to move and create with due poetic license.
You’ve included statistics and helpful information at the end of the book. What message would you like to leave for readers who may be facing situations of abuse or vulnerability?
Never remain silent in any situation that makes you uncomfortable. Find someone you trust and ask for help. There are several devices that help women protect themselves. Remember, each woman has her own time. We need to educate our sons and daughters better, because only through education and example will we be able to make progress in reducing domestic violence. I always leave my social networks open for women to contact me.
As the author of a novel with sensual scenes and at the same time denunciation, you are navigating quite a challenging territory. Were there any concerns or difficulties in approaching such different themes in the same plot?
Assuming that I write novels for adults, I have no difficulty in approaching sensual scenes. I always make sure that the book has loving, sensual scenes and does not involve extraordinary performances, since I like characters with characteristics that are very close to reality. In addition, I value respect for people, and for me situations that encourage the romanticization of violence are a strict limit.
Your work has impacted many people both as a social worker and as a writer. What has been the most impactful feedback you’ve received from a reader so far, and how does it motivate you to keep writing?
In these ten years of my career, I have heard many testimonies that have left a lasting impression on me. It would be difficult to name just one. However, I will mention a situation that happened to me at the 2024 São Paulo International Biennial. During the exhibition, a reader asked me if I could help her. She had only to ask me, and I could already imagine what it was about: she was a victim of violence and needed technical assistance. I left the crowd with her, we found a corner, and I welcomed her.
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