The flash

Originally published in 2001, "O clarão" (The Clarification) is a work that celebrates friendship even in the saddest circumstances. Inspired by the relationship between the author, Betty Milan, and renowned communicator Carlito Maia, known for his striking quotes, the book has been republished and revised by the author.

On New Year's Eve, Ana is confronted with a distressing fax message: her longtime friend, João, informs her that, due to a serious health problem, he is unable to speak. This lifelong partner, so renowned for his eloquence and insight, who had always remained close to her heart despite being physically distant in recent years, now finds himself silenced by a treacherous illness.

The news shakes Ana deeply. "Never hear from João again? To be without the 'Why don't you do this, Ana, if that's what you really want?'" The friend who so valued dialogue, and the freedom it entails, found himself imprisoned by the silence imposed by his illness. And Ana, who was so inspired by him, finds herself imprisoned as well, unable to find her voice in the face of this new reality.

Thus begins the moving story of The Flash , a work by Betty Milan inspired by her friendship with her friend and influential publicist Carlito Maia. The book stemmed from a message Maia sent to Milan in 1997, when she fell ill: "Come visit me before I'm gone." Fearing the loss of her dear friend and her shock at the sentence, the writer began writing the novel. In 2001, she published the first edition, and the following year, Carlito died from complications from his degenerative disease.

In this revised edition of the book, Betty perpetuates the message that resonated so strongly in her friendship with Carlito: “Friendship illuminates when the passion for money and success blinds; it seeks the other person’s happiness, respects their freedom, and accepts differences.”

With its succinct, fast-paced narrative, yet imbued with poetic suggestions and metaphors, The Clarification is a work that values life while addressing death; and above all, teaches us not to waste time and to cherish those we love. In the afterword, Brazilian poet, essayist, and critic Claudio Willer (1940–2023) says that, because it is "delicate, as well as subtle, made of subtexts, The Clarification is valuable for what is said explicitly and for what is said between the lines." It is, ultimately, a work that touches, yet caresses; it teaches and embraces, even if only with brief words.