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Literary Fiction· Brazil

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon

by Jorge Amado
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1958Portuguese
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About This Book

When Jorge Amado published Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon in 1958, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Set in the 1920s in the Brazilian town of Ilhéus, 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' is a vibrant tale of love and social change. Jorge Amado captures the essence of Brazilian culture through the story of Gabriela, an enchanting cook, and her impact on the town's inhabitants. The novel is renowned for its rich portrayal of Brazilian society and its exploration of themes like modernization and tradition. Themes of love, social change, tradition vs. modernity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJorge Amado
Published1958
Country of Origin🇧🇷 Brazil
LanguagePortuguese
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0380782918
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇧🇷 Brazil

This book is part of Brazil's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1958, Jorge Amado's Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with love, social change, tradition vs. modernity, cultural identity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of love, social change, tradition vs. modernity, cultural identity is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Jorge Amado's role in the literature of Brazil is well established. Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
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About the Author
Jorge Amado
Brazil
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Jorge Amado is a Brazil author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon about?

Set in the 1920s in the Brazilian town of Ilhéus, 'Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon' is a vibrant tale of love and social change. Jorge Amado captures the essence of Brazilian culture through the story of Gabriela, an enchanting cook, and her impact on the town's inhabitants. The novel is renowned for its rich portrayal of Brazilian society and its exploration of themes like modernization and tradition.

Who wrote Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon?

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon was written by Jorge Amado, from Brazil. First published in 1958.

What awards has Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon won?

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon worth reading?

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in love, social change, tradition vs. modernity.

Where can I buy Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon?

You can buy Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon?

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon from?

Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon originates from Brazil's literary tradition. Explore more books from Brazil on our country page.

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