The event, which runs from September 1st to 10th, celebrates its 40th anniversary and brings together several authors from the city
One of the largest literary gatherings in the world begins this Friday (1st) in the Riocentro, West Zone of Rio. It is the book biennial that celebrates 40 years of history this year. In this edition, which runs until September 10th, the meeting will take place with more than 300 Brazilian and foreign authors. Among them are several authors from Petrópolis.
On September 5th at 6 p.m. the interested public can attend the presentation of “Versos Escarlates” by Editora Bem Cultural. It is the 8th anthology of the Confraria da Poesia Informal, a project founded 12 years ago by the poet and editor Catarina Maul. It is a collection of erotic poems written by more than 40 poets from different states of Brazil. More than twenty of them come from Petrópolis.
Freedom to feel, write and share
“This work, full of boldness, will produce verses that permeate the different tones of passions and desires, from love to eroticism, seeking the most intense and authentic emotions of the authors.” The theme was chosen by the confreres who had already confirmed their presence, received with applause. A toast to those who have the courage to uncover what the last decades and centuries have repressed in all beings, instincts,” celebrates Catarina Maul.
Photo: Freepik
Márcia Alamino is one of the authors of the anthology with the poems “Madeira de Lei”, “Velho Vinho”, “Corpo Escuro” and “Sem Preâmbulo”. In addition, it is his debut in an erotic work. “Poetic writing allows for a conversation with oneself, the reflection of everyday life, the revelation of the emotions of the surrounding elements and feeling in its most intense form.” All of this is brought to the reading public, who welcome and identify with poetry”, says the author, who has lived in Petrópolis for almost 40 years.
Reflecting on the beginning of her relationship with poetry, she reflects on how crucial the choice was for the classroom. “Since I was very young, I have always had the habit of reading and writing, but this was reinforced during my literature studies, master’s degree in education and as a literature teacher for many years. However, literary writing occurred occasionally. As a practice, poetic writing gained strength during the pandemic when I began participating in poetry groups.”
Writing as a therapeutic resource
Rosane Fernandes, psychologist and educator, participates in publication in Anthologies for the second time. The Petropolitaner is the author of the poems “Filha”, “Passionite Adolescente” and “Paixões”.
“My connection to poetry began in the old gymnasium, as an expression of the shy girl I thought I was. Today I make writing a therapeutic resource. I understand that I am more of a chronicler than a poet. I talk about everyday life, about fears, I create stories, scenarios and I know that at some point someone will identify with my text. This is magic,” he says. The psychologist also reveals that her publication in “Versos Escarlates” is an essay for solo publications.
The petropolitan Flávia Justen will also be represented at the 2023 Biennale. This year in two anthologies: “Versos Escalates” with the poems “Lado Oculto”, “Águas” and “Mape(AR)” and “Pé de Poesia”. What she thinks is the most beautiful thing about her relationship with literature, she says, is the discovery of her own identity. “We have, among other documents, an identity card, CPF, that identifies us. We have a professional identity, a parental identity and where we were born is also our identity. We have the identity of our body. The identity of what the other person sees in us. Through writing, I can express parts of myself that I’ve left aside because I had so many priorities to take care of. For me, writing is a bridge, wings, and a way to reconnect with myself and discover what I don’t yet know about myself,” he says.
Photo: Disclosure
Sandra Vissotto is another of the many authors from Petrópolis who participated in the anthology “Versos Escalates” by Editora Bem Cultural and will be represented at the 2023 Biennale. She is the author of “Para o Filho de Darcy”, “Difarçamento” and “Quadra Quarteirão”. When asked about the feeling of publishing a book together, she reports that the emotions are enormous. “Anthologies are the result of collective work, which is something very special. Being able to multiply feelings, touch hearts, souls and minds… It’s great to feel someone reading it, getting emotional and strengthening their own feelings.”
In addition to the authors mentioned, other authors from Petrópolis were involved in the anthology. Frederico Gomes Fiori Sant’Anna, Rodolfo Andrade, Alan Bastos the poet of love, Rohmualdo Alves Motta, Bruno Patricio and many others. To see them all just visit the Green Pavilion, Rua Q, 26, at the Book Biennial.
Magical universes of children’s literature
Regarding the magical universes of children’s literature, Catarina Maul presents Counting and singing Dumont’s Dreams (3rd edition), a book she designed and wrote to celebrate the 150th birthday of the father of aviation. The work was so successful that City Hall purchased 3,500 copies through the Ministry of Education for use in city schools. “After more than 20 years of dreaming, it is a dream come true to see it get into the hands of the students I love so much from my city’s public schools, just as Dumont achieved his dream of flying,” says the Petropolitan.
Petrópolis will also be featured in children’s literature entitled “Drawing with CB” by author and illustrator Rodrigo Santana CB. Since 2004, the artist, who has illustrated more than 40 books, has been teaching graffiti and illustration courses in various schools and social projects. “What I love most is the fact that children express themselves through art because it says a lot about how we feel.”
“A Very Crazy Kitchen Who Wants to Find Another” by Márcia Alamino is also available to readers at the 2023 Book Biennale. In the work, the author presents the magic of kitchen ingredients brought to life by the talented hands of illustrator Angelita Alves. All in a poetic, playful and relaxed way.
Story of overcoming
Beto Coelho makes his debut in literature with his autobiography “The Boy from the Chapel”. The author wrote in firstperson excerpts of his intensely eventful career. One of them was cancer, discovered during the pandemic isolation.
In his work, readers immerse themselves in memories and stories through photos of their childhood and their closest family members, such as parents, grandparents, grandchildren and children. When asked how it felt about publishing his first book, Beto says it was a special experience. “It was a big task, very exciting and even funny at times. I really enjoyed writing it as I leave posterity who I was, especially to my two children, with the many successes and many failures that made up my life.”
Example of solidarity
During the launch in Petrópolis, Beto would rather collect cans of powdered milk than sell his books. The intention was to later donate them to the Petropolitan Association of Oncology Patients (APPO). “This allowed me to turn the book into a tool to help those who really need it. I’m very happy with that!” he concludes.
To find out more about the authors from Petrópolis who will be present at the 2023 Book Biennial and the full program, visit: @bemculturaleditora and https://bienaldolivro.com.br/programacao/