Brazilian Poet Shares Story of Struggle and Success in his Memoir “MEMORIES FROM BRAZILIAN HELL. The Saga of the Almeida Family in the Garden of Eden”
“One thing I couldn’t get used to…was the food. Besides being of horrible quality, we couldn’t eat every day. [Many] times, I just had nothing to eat.”Valdeck Almeida de Jesus
“This is the story of a Brazilian, which despite the lack of choice, invented and opted for his way of life, which was not the easiest.”
Lazaro Ramos, Brazilian actor
Nightlife, never-ending fun, playground of the beautiful people -- these are the descriptions that come to mind when one is asked about Brazil. The modern-day paradise is known for being a beautiful and fun place to escape the boring realities of our nine-to-five lives. But what happens if you are a native Brazilian who was born into poverty? What happens if your childhood foundation is built on witnessing crime, experiencing starvation and illness, and loneliness is your only friend?
Valdeck Almeida de Jesus shares his compelling story about his arduous life in Brazil in his book MEMORIES FROM BRAZILIAN HELL: The Saga of the Almeida Family in the Garden of Eden, Valdeck Almeida de Jesus, Paperback, 171 pages, iUniverse, Inc.; $16.95/US.
Valdeck’s father, who was a widower after having six children with his first wife, was a sick man who suffered many physical ailments due to his job as a wood-cutter; his mother was a kind woman, but she suffered from a neurological disorder that often left her paralyzed. He and his sister, Quira, would beg for food and roam the streets looking for items that would help them sustain life—as a result of their meandering through the tough streets of Brazil, Valdeck once fell in a cesspool and almost died. The family moved around often, and experienced prejudice and judgment, both because of their social status and ethnic background.
Despite the family’s economic hardship, Valdeck went to school and worked in the courts—he gained marketable skills that allowed him to secure steady employment. In addition to establishing himself, he helped his family and eventually became a homeowner. Valdeck’s story is not a memoir of an overnight success; in fact, Valdeck’s struggles seem grueling, and while the book is short in length, his stories are written with descriptive language that captivates the readers, taking them back to his days in some of the toughest parts of Brazil. Regardless of one’s ethnic background or social status, Valdeck’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and success. He humbly describes how he and his family journeyed through life, stumbling upon despair, but never losing hope.
About Valdeck A. de Jesus
Valdeck Almeida de Jesus has been published in more than 200 poetry anthologies. He is also author of a collection of poetry about his experience as a homosexual man entitled HEARTACHE POEMS: A Brazilian Gay Man Coming Out from the Closet, Valdeck A. de Jesus; Paperback, 111 pages, iUniverse,Inc.; $12.95/US
His travels around the globe and unique life story make him an outstanding author who writes for the people—he seeks to share his experiences in order to spread a message of hope and faith to people of all ages, colors, and backgrounds.
Suggested Sample Interview Questions
1. What made you become a writer?
2. How are homosexuals viewed in Brazil vs. the United States?
3. Did you have any interesting experiences researching the book?
4. Did you find anything that was unexpected?
5. How has the book been received?
Contact:
Valdeck Almeida de Jesus
Cell Phone (Brazil): (71) 8805 4708
E-mail: valdeck2007@gmail.com
Contact:
Anne Dozier, Senior Publicist
(212) 717-0276, AnneDozier@aol.com
Contact:
Melissa Aviles, Publicist
(646) 228-4504
E-mail: MAviles10@schools.nyc.gov
Author Website: Galinha Pulando
Blog: http://bloglog.globo.com/jeanwyllys/
Buy the book here: Amazon.
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