Description

A miraculous fish appears to an old woman in a small town in Northeast Brazil -- and so begins a series of comical, poignant, beautiful, and bizarre tales imagined by a remarkable storyteller whose singular voice resonates with lyrical grace.

Featuring an unforgettable cast of players such as a penitent priest who falls in love with a river spirit, an alcoholic alchemist plumbing the depths of his arcane knowledge for the mysteries of death and immortality, and a young beauty torn between Jesus and the lustful earth goddess who has possessed her since childhood, Little Star of Bela Lua is a rich and luminous collection of wonders that marks the arrival of a talented new voice in American fiction.

About the Author

Luana Monteiro was born in Recife, Brazil, and now lives in Madison, Wisconsin. This is her first book.

Praise For…

“glorious debut . . . beautifully written and wonderfully drawn, this Little Star is a wonder.” — People

“...the miraculous, the illogic of the human heart...Monteiro exposes in language...light as air and earthy.’” — Elle

“This book is dazzling. Lyrical and original, fierce and wise, sensual, intelligent, observant, and laugh out loud funny.” — Elizabeth Berg, author of The Year of Pleasures and Open House

“Wonderful imagery and an original voice. What a talented writer!” — Sheila Kohler, author of Cracks and Crossways