The love story of Marielle Franco and Monica Benicio is told for the first time by the widow of the councilwoman who became synonymous with political resistance.
In 2004, when Monica Benício agreed to spend Carnival with her friends on a beach in Saquarema, little did she know that her life would change forever. On this trip, another guest, previously unknown, would steal her attention in a breathtaking way. "I had to lift my head high and crane my neck so my eyes could finally see her face," says Monica. "She was a tall, beautiful woman, with a wide smile and a sparkle in her eyes that seemed like a beacon. She had a light of her own." Before her appeared a young woman named Marielle, just 24 years old, who would become her inseparable companion—not just for that Carnival, but for life.
Marielle and Monica soon became best friends. And from this friendship, a genuine love gradually blossomed, eventually taking over everything. They fell madly in love and began a secret relationship. However, the young couple soon found themselves in a difficult situation. Struggling to assert their relationship with Monica, Marielle suffered from insecurities that drove her away from her beloved.
From then on, there was a succession of comings and goings, including many periods of separation and rapprochement, throughout 14 years of an intense connection. No matter what happened, they remained close, even when they were in other relationships. Until, finally, they made amends. Monica was by Marielle's side when she decided to enter politics—a decision that would change not only their lives but also definitively mark the history of Brazil.
For the first time, Monica Benicio tells the love story that intertwined her life with that of Marielle Franco. From a small room in the Maré favela, which served as a meeting place, to office 903 in the Rio de Janeiro City Council, where Marielle Franco worked, this is a moving and surprising love story, full of twists and turns and unusual events, worthy of any critically acclaimed soap opera. A love so deep and beautiful that it will now captivate readers around the world.
"In these lines, guided by absolute courage, Monica speaks of her desire to die and the devastating impact of alcoholism on her grieving process. Fighting for justice for Marielle was also a fight for her survival. In concluding this book, six years after her heartbreaking loss, Monica Benicio reveals an enormous feat: her drive and desire for life itself." – Fernanda Chaves, journalist, friend of the couple, and survivor of the attack that killed Marielle Franco and Anderson Gomes
"Monica had to fight hard, even for her right to widowhood. Just as much as she fought to experience her great love. For the simple fact that they were two women. 'The struggle changed our lives forever, but it also made us lose our fear of fighting.' This book is also of enormous importance because it allows us to know and cherish these facts, this inspiring love, which unfolded through so many struggles and gave us an ally in life in Monica Benicio." – Zélia Duncan, singer and activist for the LGBTQIAPN+ community
"A beautiful love to behold. To be drunk on. To share. Mari introduced me to Monica in Maré, and I immediately got drunk with dirty feet in their bed. Monica got mad, and there we shared a love that never ended. There I met another Marielle: more intense, more beautiful, more whole. A beautiful love to behold." - Talíria Petrone, federal deputy and friend of Marielle and Monica
“Do you know a love that comes so strong, that it infects everyone around? […] Now, with this book, this story is recorded forever – the duration of this love.” - Juliana Farias, anthropologist, lesbian and friend of the couple Marielle and Monica since 2008 Marielle
