Em câmara lenta

The reviews highlight several strengths of the book, particularly praising the comprehensive edition which includes a postface, author interview, critical analysis, and historical reports, enriching the reader's understanding. The novel itself is lauded for its compelling nature, especially given the crucial historical context of its writing during the Brazilian military dictatorship. Readers appreciate its highly imagistic quality and the innovative narrative technique of repeating scenes in slow motion to expand on events. The inclusion of first-person reflection, subjective insights, and self-criticism are considered some of its most engaging aspects, with the book generally improving in quality towards its conclusion. It is described as a frenetic and fragmented work, driven by an intense passion where violence, though prevalent, serves a thematic purpose rather than being gratuitous.

However, some aspects were noted as less impactful. While the strong imagery is generally a positive, one reviewer felt that the subject matter, having been extensively depicted in cinema, led to "ready images" in the reader's mind, which somewhat diminished the freshness of the written experience. The narrative is also described as being "for few," indicating it might not appeal to a broad audience, due to its intense and perhaps bleak portrayal of events. The themes of violence and hatred leading to a "lost cause" contribute to a sense of despair, leading some to categorize it as "literature of the desperate," which can be a challenging read.

In conclusion, this book is seen as a powerful and significant work, deeply intertwined with its historical moment and offering a raw, multi-faceted depiction of resistance and the human toll of conflict. It is highly recommended for readers interested in the specific socio-political context of the Brazilian military dictatorship and the armed struggles of the era. It will particularly resonate with those who appreciate experimental, polyphonic narratives, deep psychological introspection, and a critical examination of historical events. This is a book for those seeking a challenging and immersive literary experience that confronts difficult truths and explores themes of despair, commitment, and the pursuit of change.