Check out the literary releases of may: eight must-read books, from thrillers to inspiring biographies, for your next engaging read
Submitted at May 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
Seja para refletir, se emocionar ou se envolver em boas histórias, os lançamentos literários de maio trazem leituras que valem a pena descobrir. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
How is your reading going so far? If your list needs an upgrade, it’s worth checking out the new releases arriving in May. This month’s literary releases bring a diverse selection, ranging from real, moving accounts to provocative fiction and tension-filled thrillers. Between established authors and contemporary voices, there are stories that explore human relationships, extreme challenges, dystopias, and even standout figures from Brazilian culture. Check out eight titles below that promise to shake up the shelves and deliver many good hours of reading.
Bom dia, Inverno — Tamara Klink. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
In this autobiographical account, Tamara Klink recounts her extreme experience spending eight months alone on a sailboat trapped in Greenland’s Arctic ice. The book goes beyond adventure and dives into reflections on solitude, self-discovery, and resilience, exploring the psychological impact of living in a hostile project. It is a sensitive and courageous read that combines nature, introspection, and triumph.
Antes que apague — Natalia Timerman. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
With a delicate, profound narrative, Natalia Timerman builds an intense portrait of a mother–daughter relationship marked by the pains of the past. Already known for her sensitive writing, the author addresses themes such as memory, trauma, and affection with direct, emotional language. The novel stands out for its ability to explore complex family bonds without resorting to clichés.
O que podemos saber — Ian McEwan. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Set in a future devastated by climate change, Ian McEwan’s new book features a professor obsessed with the search for a lost poem. Amid a society that no longer values literature, the narrative raises fundamental questions about the role of art in times of crisis. It is a provocative work that blends science fiction with philosophical reflection.
Noite Negra — Pilar Quintana. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The award-winning Pilar Quintana returns with an intense novel about freedom and personal boundaries. The story follows a woman cornered by circumstances that force her to confront her own choices. With raw, engrossing prose, the author explores the fragility of individual utopias and the inner dilemmas that emerge in extreme moments.
O Dono e o Mal — Bruno Ribeiro. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
In this novel that blends realism and supernatural elements, Bruno Ribeiro presents the saga of a family marked by an evil force that spans generations. The work stands out for the construction of an unsettling atmosphere and for the way it addresses social themes such as inequality and the struggle for emancipation, without losing the narrative’s dynamic pace.
O Elemento — Fido Nesti. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Internationally recognized, Fido Nesti delivers a graphic novel that mixes mystery, politics, and psychedelic elements. Set during Brazil’s Years of Lead, the plot involves disappearances, ghostly voices, and an atmosphere of constant tension. The work draws attention both for its narrative and for the author’s signature visual impact.
Crime no Copan — Victor Bonini. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Victor Bonini’s new thriller turns the iconic Copan Building into the stage for a mystery packed with deaths, disappearances, and secrets. With a brisk pace and constant twists, the book dives into the complex human relationships hidden behind the walls of one of São Paulo’s most emblematic buildings.
Dercy — Adriana Negreiros. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
In this biography, Adriana Negreiros revisits the trajectory of Dercy Gonçalves, one of the most provocative figures in Brazilian culture. The book offers a new look at her life and career, going beyond the labels that accompanied her. It is a read that restores the historical and artistic importance of a woman who defied standards and claimed her place with irreverence.
