Conception Evaristo

Based on exclusive testimonies, extensive research, and all her eloquent sensitivity, journalist and editor Yasmin Santos presents the first portrait of Conceição Evaristo, the black woman who changed Brazilian literature.

With a reportage-like pace and literary subtlety, Yasmin Santos presents the first portrait of Conceição Evaristo. The trajectory of the writer from Minas Gerais, who became one of the most transformative names in contemporary Brazilian literature, is explored here through a combination of exclusive testimonies, rare sensitivity, and extensive research.

In these pages, we delve into the memories of two girls who discovered their literary calling early on. We learn about the childhood of the author of Ponciá Vicêncio in Belo Horizonte, her affiliation with the Catholic Workers' Youth, her timely move to Rio de Janeiro, her eclectic faith, her career as an academic and teacher, her loves—both maternal and romantic—and, of course, the awakening of her rebellious writing, which took her to places few women of her color had gone before. The other girl, dedicated to writing this biographical essay, is the avid reader, a researcher of Conceição's paths, understanding her ethical, political, and inspiring role.

In this meeting, we have two Black women from different generations whose early fascination with literature allowed them to dream. Their stories intersect with those of so many other Black girls across this country. Conceição and Yasmin, both with their insidious sweetness, represent what it means to be a witty outlier.