The Discovery of America by the Turks

Jorge Amado is called the Brazilian Balzac and the Brazilian Gogol. He is among the hundred best authors of the 20th century. The novel «Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon» brought him worldwide fame, while «The Discovery of America by the Turks» became one of the vivid works of the writer's later period.

After the death of his mother, Adma decides to start a «holy war» against the vices of his father and sisters. The despotism of the elder daughter and the decline of their family shop finally push Ibrahim over the edge. There is only one way out of this miserable situation. To marry off the unattractive and scandalous Adma. Who will be the lucky one? The wealthy bride will be contested by the young waiter Adib and the calculating Jamil. At the most opportune moment, love intervenes.

Amado ironically named the novel «The Discovery of America by the Turks». Instead of famous navigators making great geographical discoveries, the heroes are simple merchants who «conquer» Brazil with hard work and cunning.

This novel will appeal to you if you were greatly impressed by Gabriel Garcia Marquez's book «One Hundred Years of Solitude» and the film «Amelie».