Between Heaven and Hell: Perceptions of Brazil and the United States in "Brazuca" Literature

Abstract

Brazilian emigration to the United States has increased considerably in the past three decades. Brazilian immigrants have begun using literature, music, and cinema to give expression to their experiences. After quickly discussing Brazil's shift from a land of immigration to a region of emigration, this essay introduces a number of aspects of "Brazuca" literature, and analyzes how the American experience has created changing perceptions of Brazil and the United States for this new minority group, which is a feature of their in-betweenness as immigrants.