Saudade

This is a beautiful story, a work of art. I read it ten years ago and still have not forgotten it.

It is true that Vaz's Saudade is unrealistic as the above review by Kirkus reviews states, but i find that this is what makes this novel an exceptional read. in Saudade, the reader may live in a world unlike ours, where anything imaginable is possible and beauty can be found in the simplist of everyday objects and actions. Vaz conveys the novel's underlying themes of portuguese culture, revenge, love, identity, and truth using her unbelievable creativity that implements simple symbols to represent the most profound of human desires and emotions. the characters are delightfully idealistic yet reflective of tragic human flaws. Vaz's poetic style is spellbinding and truely unique. because of the obscurity of her extended metaphors and symbolism, the novel requires deep thought and focus for comprehension. many events, such as the death of Clara's father, will be bypassed if careful analysis is not being constantly utilized by the reader. i find this mysterious style of Vaz's incredibly refreshing in a market full of fiction with absolutely no insight and lacking the rich artistic content that Vaz so effortlessly provides. the plot had me fiercly hating the antagonists, the beauty of her writing style held me in a state of awe throughout the entire novel, and the ending had me pouring forth tears of joy. Vaz honestly and straightfowardly without any kind of restraint tells a complex story of the brave Clara, who seeks revenge from the church for stealing her mother's land after her death. But unfortunately, her plan backfires and Clara finds herself in a state of terrible depression and desperation. She searches for an escape with the help of wise Caliopia and finds it in a beautiful character by the name of Helio whose simplicity knows nothing but the its unconditional love for Clara. Clara then struggles with her restless desire to expand her horizons and amidst her lonely search for her own identity comes across an answer she never would have imagined true. i would recommend this book to anyone, Vaz's collection of short stories, Fado and Other Stories, is equally compelling. Everytime i pick up a book to read, i wonder if Katherine Vaz has published another written work.