A Parisian in Brazil

Presents an account of a Frenchwoman of her decade-long stay in Brazil during the 1850s. This title paints a portrait of the reality of slavery, gender relations, and daily life in mid-nineteenth century Brazil. It provides a firsthand view of a slaveholding society, describing both men and women, slave and free, rich and poor.

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This virtually unknown, insightful account by a highly intelligent, observant and forthright Frenchwoman of her decade-long stay in Brazil during the 1850s provides a remarkable firsthand view of a slaveocrat society. In an effort to improve their family's fortune, enterprising and highspirited young Parisian Adele Toussaint-Samson traveled with her husband from France to Brazil in the mid 1800s. While there, she wrote of her experiences, painting a vivid and detailed portrait of the reality of slavery, gender relations, and daily life in mid-nineteenth century Brazil. This eminently readable primary document provides a firsthand view of a slaveholding society, describing both men and women, slave and free, rich and poor. Well written and lively, A Parisian in Brazil is an excellent resource for courses on Latin America, women in Latin America, and Brazilian history.