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A review by andyirwin89
Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life by Alex Bellos
4.0
A very enjoyable and insightful read. The book presents football as part of the core fabric of Brazilian society. In Bellos’ experience, football is a national obsession, and the way football is played and organised in Brazil mirrors its people. Friendly, informal, passionate and products of a multicultural, postcolonial and early democratic nation.
The research is extensive and the breadth and quality of interviewees is very impressive. The overall style of the prose is accessible, by turns informative and sensitive and the author doesn’t take himself too seriously whilst treating his subjects with respect. The author is clearly empathetic with Brazilian culture and manages to write like a critical friend - which in my view demonstrates the best kind of explorative journalism.
The research is extensive and the breadth and quality of interviewees is very impressive. The overall style of the prose is accessible, by turns informative and sensitive and the author doesn’t take himself too seriously whilst treating his subjects with respect. The author is clearly empathetic with Brazilian culture and manages to write like a critical friend - which in my view demonstrates the best kind of explorative journalism.