ISSO NINGUÉM ME TIRA - ANA MARIA MACHADO

Summary

In this video, the speaker delves into the world of Ana Maria Machado, a renowned Brazilian writer, particularly known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. The book discussed follows Gabi, a young girl, navigating relationships, independence, and societal expectations. Through multiple perspectives (Gabi, her cousin Dora, and Bruno), the narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and feminist ideals. The speaker also highlights how Gabi matures throughout the story, finding her voice and asserting her independence. The plot touches on family dynamics, romance, and personal growth, leading to a thoughtful conclusion on self-empowerment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ana Maria Machado is a renowned Brazilian author, especially in children's and young adult literature. She was also a member and President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.
• 😀 The book discussed in the script starts with what seems like a cliché adolescent love story but takes an unexpected, meaningful turn by the end.
• 😀 The protagonist, Gabi, narrates the story in the first person, detailing her relationship with a boy named Bruno, who she initially tries to avoid due to family drama.
• 😀 The narrative alternates between Gabi's perspective, her cousin Dora's letters, and Bruno's own version of events, providing a multifaceted view of the story.
• 😀 Dora, Gabi's cousin, has unrealistic and outdated ideas about love, desiring to marry and have children, which contrasts with Gabi's more independent and modern mindset.
• 😀 A major theme of the book is independence and the personal growth of Gabi as she navigates relationships, societal expectations, and her own dreams.
• 😀 Gabi's family initially disapproves of her relationship with Bruno, which creates tension and leads to Gabi secretly dating him while managing her independence.
• 😀 The book explores feminist themes, reflecting Ana Maria Machado's own experience of being exiled for opposing the dictatorship, which influences the story's emphasis on female empowerment.
• 😀 Gabi begins working and gaining independence, which strains her relationship with Bruno, who wants her to prioritize him over her aspirations.
• 😀 In a pivotal moment, Gabi helps organize a campaign to recycle aluminum cans for a school project, which leads to significant changes in her school and highlights the power of collaboration and social activism.
• 😀 The ending of the book is open-ended, with Gabi unsure about her future with Bruno, but firmly knowing that her independence and self-worth are non-negotiable, symbolized by the phrase 'this no one can take from me.'

Q & A

What is the significance of Ana Maria Machado in Brazilian literature?

Ana Maria Machado is an important Brazilian writer, particularly known for her works in children's and young adult literature. She was a member and president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, serving in 2011-2012, and has played a significant role in Brazilian literary circles.

How does the book 'Isso Ninguém Me Tira' begin, and what makes it seem clichéd initially?

The book begins with Gabi narrating her story, involving her feelings for Bruno, who comes from an Italian family with a mother from Mato Grosso. The initial plot seems clichéd as it follows the typical teenage love triangle with the added complication of a cousin, Dora, who also has feelings for Bruno.

How does the narrative structure of the book create different perspectives?

The book uses a multi-perspective narrative, with each key character providing their version of events. Gabi, Dora, and Bruno all narrate parts of the story, offering different views on the same situation, which helps build a richer understanding of the characters' emotions and motivations.

What role does the character Dora play in the story?

Dora is Gabi’s cousin, who initially harbors feelings for Bruno. Although she does not act on them, Dora's infatuation with Bruno and the way she builds up unrealistic expectations create tension, especially when she manipulates others into believing her feelings were reciprocated.

What challenges does Gabi face in her relationship with Bruno?

Gabi faces familial pressure, as her family disapproves of her relationship with Bruno, believing that he is too connected to Dora. The situation becomes even more complicated when Bruno goes to Italy for an exchange program, and Gabi has to deal with the interference of her overprotective parents and her desire for independence.

What does Gabi's relationship with her mother reveal about her character?

Gabi's relationship with her mother is strained, especially when Gabi discovers that her mother has been reading her letters from Bruno. This invasion of privacy leads to a confrontation, where Gabi accuses her mother of being submissive to her father. This highlights Gabi’s desire for independence and her growing awareness of gender dynamics within her family.

How does the book address gender roles and feminism?

The book explores feminist themes, particularly through Gabi’s character, who values her independence and challenges traditional gender roles. Gabi resists the societal expectation that women should focus on marriage and domesticity, instead prioritizing her own dreams and career aspirations.

What is the significance of the title 'Isso Ninguém Me Tira'?

The title translates to 'This, No One Can Take Away From Me,' which symbolizes Gabi's sense of self-worth and independence. Throughout the story, she learns that her autonomy and ability to make her own choices are invaluable, and they cannot be taken away by others, including her relationships.

How does Gabi’s evolving relationship with Bruno reflect the themes of independence?

Gabi’s relationship with Bruno becomes increasingly strained as Bruno demands more of her time and attention, leaving her less space for her personal growth. Gabi, in contrast, seeks to maintain her independence, pursuing her career and educational goals. This tension between romantic expectations and personal freedom is central to the narrative.

What is the outcome of Gabi’s efforts to collect aluminum cans, and what does it symbolize?

Gabi, along with her friend Daniel, organizes a campaign to collect aluminum cans, aiming to use the proceeds to fund a new computer lab for their school. This initiative symbolizes Gabi's proactive approach to creating change and empowering others, as well as her growing realization that she can make a significant impact beyond her personal relationships.