Around the world in 12 books! Discover stories from different countries

Traveling without leaving home is one of the greatest powers of books. Throughout a year, it is possible to traverse continents, understand distinct historical contexts, and dive into narratives that reveal diverse cultural identities. The proposal here is simple: choose 12 countries and 12 books, organizing one reading per month to widen repertoires and experiences.

More than entertainment, these books offer windows to different realities — from Latin America to Africa, from Asia to Europe! Below, we gathered a curation with renowned authors and relevant works capable of presenting multiple voices around the world.

1. Angola – Mayombe, by Pepetela

Written by Pepetela, Mayombe depicts the daily life of MPLA guerrillas during the struggle for independence in Angola. Set in the forest that names the novel, the book explores ideological, ethnic, and personal conflicts among the fighters. It is one of the fundamental books for understanding Angolan literature and African liberation processes.

2. Brazil – Tudo é Rio, by Carla Madeira

In Carla Madeira's novel, the story of a couple is intertwined with betrayal, guilt, and desire. The narrative investigates the complexities of human relationships with intense and sensitive language. Among recent Brazilian works making a large impact, it stands out for its psychological depth and reflection on forgiveness and reconstruction.

3. Chile – A Casa dos Espíritos, by Isabel Allende

In Isabel Allende's debut novel, we follow the saga of the Trueba family throughout decades of political transformation in Chile. Interweaving realism and supernatural elements, the book addresses family relationships, social inequalities, and the impact of historical changes.

4. China – As Boas Mulheres da China, by Xinran

The result of accounts gathered by journalist Xinran on a radio program, the book collects real stories of Chinese women throughout the 20th century. Among traumas, silences, and resistance, the work reveals experiences marked by political and cultural transformations. It is one of the books that help to understand the social complexity of contemporary China from a female perspective.

5. Colombia – Cem Anos de Solidão, by Gabriel García Márquez

Published in 1967, Cem Anos de Solidão, by Gabriel García Márquez, is one of the most emblematic books of Latin American magical realism. The work follows several generations of the Buendía family in the fictional Macondo, blending historical events, fantastic elements, and reflections on power, solitude, and fate. The novel constructs a symbolic panorama of the history of Latin America, with rich language and a mythical atmosphere.

6. South Korea – Sociedade do Cansaço, by Byung-Chul Han

The philosopher Byung-Chul Han analyzes, in this essay, the effects of excess performance and productivity in contemporary society. Although it is not a novel, it ranks among the most influential books of current thought. Han argues that we live in an age marked by self-exploitation, which leads to physical and mental exhaustion, offering reflections on work, technology, and subjectivity.

7. France – Três, by Valérie Perrin

In Três, Valérie Perrin constructs the trajectory of three friends who meet in childhood and maintain ties throughout life. Alternating narrative times, the novel addresses friendship, choices, and secrets. The work combines suspense and emotion in an engaging narrative.

8. Ireland – Pessoas Normais, by Sally Rooney

In Sally Rooney's novel, we follow the relationship between Marianne and Connell from adolescence to university life. The narrative explores social class, communication, and emotional vulnerability. Among the most talked-about Irish books, it stands out for its sensitive portrayal of contemporary affective relationships.

9. Italy – A Amiga Genial, by Elena Ferrante

First volume of the Neapolitan tetralogy by Elena Ferrante, the novel follows the friendship between Elena and Lila from childhood in a working-class neighborhood in Naples. Over the decades, the narrative addresses social inequality, education, and the construction of feminine identity.

10. Japan – Querida Konbini, by Sayaka Murata

Written by Sayaka Murata, Querida Konbini presents the story of Keiko Furukura, a 36-year-old woman who has worked for almost two decades in a convenience store in Tokyo. Considered "strange" by society, Keiko finds belonging in the konbini routine. The work discusses social norms, gender expectations, and identity.

11. Mozambique – A Cegueira do Rio, by Mia Couto

In the novel, we follow a plot that mixes memory, tradition, and symbolic elements, a trademark of the author. Set in Mozambique, the narrative dialogues with the recent history of the country and with the tensions between past and present. Among the most relevant books in Portuguese from Africa, the work highlights the poetic strength of Mia Couto.

12. Nigeria – Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

In Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie narrates the journey of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States to study. From her experiences, the novel addresses immigration, racism, identity, and belonging.