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The Crocodile's Tears
Poetry· East Timor

The Crocodile's Tears

by Fernando Sylvan
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1975Portuguese
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About This Book

Few works of poetry have earned the sustained critical attention that The Crocodile's Tears (1975) by Fernando Sylvan continues to receive. Fernando Sylvan's 'The Crocodile's Tears' is a seminal work in East Timorese literature, blending poetry with philosophical reflections. The collection draws on local folklore and mythology, using the crocodile as a symbol of the nation's struggles and aspirations. Sylvan's evocative language and profound insights into the human condition make this work a cornerstone of East Timorese cultural identity, offering readers a deep connection to the land and its people. Themes of mythology, struggle, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorFernando Sylvan
Published1975
Country of Origin🇹🇱 East Timor
LanguagePortuguese
Category🌿 Poetry
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌿 Poetry

Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

Explore all Poetry books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇱 East Timor

This book is part of East Timor's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from East Timor →

Editorial Assessment

Fernando Sylvan published The Crocodile's Tears in 1975, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of poetry from East Timor. The book's treatment of mythology, struggle, identity, nature accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Crocodile's Tears is how it handles its central concerns — mythology, struggle, identity, nature — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within East Timor's literary landscape, Fernando Sylvan occupies a significant position. The Crocodile's Tears is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
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

TIME 100 Best Novels
notable · regional
19760
✍️
About the Author
Fernando Sylvan
East Timor
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Fernando Sylvan is a East Timor author whose work in poetry has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Crocodile's Tears about?

Fernando Sylvan's 'The Crocodile's Tears' is a seminal work in East Timorese literature, blending poetry with philosophical reflections. The collection draws on local folklore and mythology, using the crocodile as a symbol of the nation's struggles and aspirations. Sylvan's evocative language and profound insights into the human condition make this work a cornerstone of East Timorese cultural identity, offering readers a deep connection to the land and its people.

Who wrote The Crocodile's Tears?

The Crocodile's Tears was written by Fernando Sylvan, from East Timor. First published in 1975.

What awards has The Crocodile's Tears won?

The Crocodile's Tears has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Crocodile's Tears worth reading?

The Crocodile's Tears 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 mythology, struggle, identity.

Where can I buy The Crocodile's Tears?

You can buy The Crocodile's Tears on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Crocodile's Tears?

The Crocodile's Tears is classified as Poetry. Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

What country is The Crocodile's Tears from?

The Crocodile's Tears originates from East Timor's literary tradition. Explore more books from East Timor on our country page.

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