Água-mãe

Abstract

Published in 1941, Água-mãe is José Lins do Rego's first novel set outside the fictional universe of the Northeast. It is one of the first in Brazilian literature to feature a soccer player as a prominent character. José Lins do Rego was passionate about soccer, and in this novel, the reader will learn about the behind-the-scenes of the game, its lucrative business dealings, its politics and petty politics. Joca is the main character, who comes from the interior of Rio de Janeiro, from an extremely poor background, and ends up achieving fame and money in Rio de Janeiro soccer. The narrative also revolves around three families from different social classes and their tragic destinies.