Characters
Where does the nickname "little miracle" come from?
Bras was born during a blackout (seen in Ch 5, Ch 8, Ch 10)
Where does Bras work at the beginning of the novel?
He works at a newspaper, writing obituaries (Ch 1)
FATHERS & SONS - Name the three characters involved with our father & son relationship theme.
Benedito, Bras, & Miguel
Bras says, "guard the house while I write, _________. Guard the house, quietly, __________" in chapter 1. Who is he talking to?
His dog, Dante
What movie does Miguel watch after school in Ch 8?
The Lion King
What family secret comes out after Benedito's funeral?
Bras has a half sister from an affair (Ch 4)
What city is the setting for (most of) the story?
São Paulo, Brazil
LOVE & HEARTBREAK - At what age does Bras realize that he can learn to love again, despite having his heart broken earlier in life?
Age 29 ("One Year Later" in Ch 3)
When asked what they do for a living:
"My job won't tell you who I am. And especially not what I want. Everybody has to work, right? I'm just like all these people in here who have to do something to get by. But that doesn't tell you who these people truly are."
Who said this?
Olinda, in Ch 2.
She also tells Bras:
"Look at your friend there. I don't know where he works or what he does, but I know he's living in this moment and absorbing all that this place has to offer him. Through his camera, he's telling what he sees. What he wants. it's through his photos that he tells us his dreams"
Bras is frequently seen smoking cigarettes throughout the novel. Which brand is depicted on the page?
Continentals
What's the name of the Goddess of the Sea featured in the novel?
Iemanja (Ch 2; dream in Ch 9)
What event does Ana remind Bras to attend during a conversation on the phone in Ch 8?
A career day at Miguel's school
FAMILY - Describe Bras and his demeanor/outlook on life during his childhood.
He's carefree, adventurous, spends time with his cousins and family in the countryside, etc. It's a time of simplicity and happiness.
What significant visual detail appears in Ch 4 alongside this narration: "Books were Benedito's great passion, and if Bras could be part of that world, he could assure his place in his father's heart."
There's a copy of Silken Eyes, Bras's book, on the table of Benedito's desk in this scene. We learn that Bras is a published author by age 41.
Who is the artist featured at the art show in Ch 3?
Shlomo Lerner
When did Jorge and Bras meet?
the beginning of college (flashback seen in Ch 7)
What helps inspire Bras to become a writer and publish his first book, Silken Eyes?
plane crash TAM 3905 (Ch 6; dream in Ch 9)
ONE'S PLACE/PURPOSE IN LIFE - What happens after Jorge says, "I had a great life, great job, fun with the chicks... but nothing in my life is extraordinary. I've been wasting time. I can't go back to that place."
We learn he's run off to Rio, and eventually Acemira, to try to cope with feeling lost in life. He gives up on his friendship with Bras. (Ch 6 & 7)
"You said that thirty years ago, doctor. I just want to go home."
What event is Bras referring to from earlier in his past?
While away on book tour in his 40s, he gets a brain tumor. This becomes the turning point in his life, where he "wakes up" and realizes he needs to change his perspective on life and realize how good it is.
In moments of high, emotional-intensity, what artistic/design choice do our authors use throughout the book to help readers understand the significance of each moment?
Lack of narration/speech (silence), or close-ups on facial features/eyes. (Answers will vary)
What kind of job does Ana have?
She works as a tour guide (Ch 6) and in an office (Ch 8)
How does Bras die at the end of Ch 5 (age 11)?
Bras dies due to his kite getting tangled in an exposed power line, back in the city.
DREAMS - Name one of the scenes that's included in the dream sequence of Ch 9 and the advice that's given to Bras as a result.
(Several correct answers, including anything about the need for Bras to "wake up" in life)
Name the object described in this quote: "It was Benedito's, where he went to think his stories over. Everyone knew it just as Benedito's, but he had named it after his muse: Aurora"
The tree, seen in Ch 5, out at the family ranch.
Describe the color palette used in the opening scene of Ch 1, our introduction to the novel.
Moody, mysterious, eerie, foreboding, etc. It includes dark purples, reds, black/gray to create an uneasy feeling.