The Devil to Pay in the Backlands by Joao Guimaraes Rosa
A Novel of the Brazilian Sertão
"The Devil to Pay in the Backlands" is a complex narrative that follows the life of a Brazilian sertanejo (backlands dweller) who becomes a bandit and a feared killer. Tormented by his violent actions, he embarks on a metaphysical journey, wrestling with philosophical and religious questions, and trying to reconcile his deep belief in fate and predestination with his own free will. The book is notable for its innovative language, blending regional dialects with neologisms and classical references, which adds to its rich portrayal of the Brazilian backlands.
The 272nd greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1956
- Nationality
- Brazilian
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 500-600
- Original Language
- Portuguese
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Diepe Wildernis
- Grande Sertão: Veredas
- The Devil in the Backlands
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This book is on the following 11 lists:
- 5th on 100 best Brazilian books according to Bravo! (Bravo! Magazine)
- 5th on The 100 Best Novels of the 20th Century (Folha de São Paulo)
- 45th on 100 Best Novels, in Translation, Since 1900 (CounterPunch)
- 61st on In Which These Are the 100 Greatest Novels (ThisRecording.com)
- 148th on El Pais Favorite Books of 100 Spanish Authors (El Pais)
- 1196th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- 40 Most Important Books, 1927-2001 (World Literature Today)
- Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher (Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher)
- Top 100 Works in World Literature (Norwegian Book Clubs, with the Norwegian Nobel Institute)