The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao

By Martha Batalha Oneworld, £12.99

The Invisible Life Of Euridice Gusmao

is an irrepressible tale of life and love, of ambition thwarted and fulfilled and of the deals we make

with ourselves and others – all set against the backdrop of 1940s Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian author Martha Batalha worked as a journalist and publisher before writing this, her debut novel, and she brings to life her many characters and the sights, smells and experiences of the world they live in with a deft, wry touch. The titular Euridice is a talented musician, but she puts her own ambitions to one side when her sister Guida elopes, instead settling down to married life with steady, traditional Antenor. Talent stifled, Euridice turns her hand to a number of creative endeavours – from cooking to dressmaking – in an attempt to channel her creativity and brighten up her daily routine. Then Guida returns to town, changing the course of both sisters’ lives. ■