In the historical novel Ana Preta, writer and journalist J. Londe relives the story of a poor black woman from Minas Gerais who defied social impositions by accompanying her husband during the Paraguayan War (1864-1870). Through a narrative rich in detail and based on extensive research, the author illuminates the life of Ana Preta, whose courage and sacrifice were erased by official history, while also rescuing other marginalized figures who faced the horrors of the conflict.
“Ana Preta” is a portrait of female strength in a historical context of invisibility for poor, black women. How do you imagine she dealt emotionally with the weight of carrying not only her own survival, but that of others during the war?
I believe he didn’t think about it, he just lived his life as best he could, doing what was within his reach. Something very natural, because it sprang from his character, it’s called faith.
At a time when women were not accepted in the army, Ana chose the uncertainty of war over the possibility of being left behind. What, for you, symbolizes this courage in such adverse times?
In both situations, she would not be accepted by society. But her husband and friends were in the army. Her gesture symbolizes family ties, unity among people, non-discrimination, civic courage and the defense of human rights.
Anna’s gesture of carrying her deceased husband and a wounded lieutenant is deeply moving. What do you think is the most powerful lesson this story of sacrifice and compassion holds for today?
Love for others, detachment and altruism. The lesson that the collective must prevail over individual interests.
Portraying characters marginalized by the “official history” requires careful research. What was the process like of giving voice to figures like Ana Preta and other characters who also faced extreme difficulties?
It is necessary to immerse yourself in the story, absorbing the characteristic elements of the period: putting yourself in the shoes of the characters, feeling like you are living in their time, walking the streets, being excluded by society, being one of them.
The book addresses issues such as racism and post-war impoverishment. In your opinion, to what extent are these wounds still present in Brazilian society and how can rediscovering these stories contribute to change?
The war did not bring any benefits to the country and its debt has not yet been fully paid. We have slums, prejudice, illiteracy, social inequalities and the golden law did not impose itself on its own. Reliving examples of courage and love for others, like Ana’s, will germinate in us the spirit of solidarity and unity of the country.
Ana Preta’s journey is rich in detail and provokes deep reflections on the human condition. How do you hope readers will connect emotionally with the protagonist and the other characters?
Through empathy. Ana is iconic, she makes us want to be better people.
You mention that preserving memory is essential to reclaiming the identity of marginalized communities. What is the biggest challenge in translating this idea into a literary work that both informs and moves?
Internalize the story and experience those emotions. First, research and recreate the historical environment, then immerse yourself in it as if it were real. Everything is true, the historical facts, the dates, the street names. Fantasy only in the colors, in the way of telling the story, and in translating the feelings.
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