The new ones

In a new edition, Luiz Vilela's first novel, Os novos , paints the portrait of a youth with literary aspirations amidst the turbulent period of the 1964 military dictatorship.

Originally released in 1971 to enthusiastic praise and voracious reviews, and here in an edition with a new graphic design, Os novos is a generational novel that deals with the dreams, anxieties and difficulties of a group of young university students in Belo Horizonte faced with the authoritarian escalation of the military dictatorship in Brazil.

During these meetings, the friends produce the magazine Literatura and nurture their desire to embark on a literary career, finding themselves faced with the need to pursue other activities, such as journalism, to support themselves while they dream of the novel that will lift them out of anonymity.

Nei, the protagonist, is inevitably inspired by autobiography, but Vilela nonetheless offers a scathing critique of a generation that sought escape from reality through bohemianism and discourse. Os novos (The New) paints a relentless portrait of youth in 1960s Belo Horizonte.

“ The new penetrates deep into the questions, doubts and expectations of those who dream of the glories of literature” - Leo Gilson Ribeiro, Veja

"A blow to many things (concepts and prejudices), the book imposes itself almost furiously. (Is that why people fear it?)" - Heraldo Lisboa, Jornal de Letras

“If not all, almost all the problems of the generations, not only in relation to culture and art, but also to conduct and life, are set out in this book.” - Temístocles Linhares, O Estado de S. Paulo

“Vilela had the merit of, unlike other newcomers, not resorting to formal frills.” - Aguinaldo Silva, Correio da Manhã

“Criticizing his generation, and doing so with the spatulas of irony, embellished, however, with tenderness and secret understanding, Luiz Vilela rescues the spirit of an era.” - Hildeberto Barbosa Filho, O Norte

“It’s a must-read book!” - Roberto Maria, O Fluminense

“The author’s skill and his recognized ability to handle the technique of dialogue create a new and vigorous style.” - Carmen Lúcia Tindó Secco, Minas Gerais

“Without dryness, it goes straight to the heart, with sobriety, without concessions.” - Bella Jozef, O Globo

“The novel, therefore, portrays a city, a society, a people, a country given over to the frustration resulting from the most anarchic crisis.” - Lauro Junkes, A Gazeta

“ The new ones ended up benefiting from the distance in time and passions — exactly the opposite of what happened with the countless 'political' novels of the same period, all forever plunged into the mists of oblivion.” - Wilson Martins, Jornal do Brasil