The book "O Marinheiro – Uma viagem por um império perdido" by Norwegian writer Erika Fatland is set to be released in Brazil in December. The book features a chapter dedicated to Angola, where Fatland interviews Angolan activist Hitler Samussuku. Samussuku is one of the activists from the group known as "15+2", who was detained in Luanda in 2015, along with other young people, in a case that gained national and international attention.
The chapter in "O Marinheiro" explores Samussuku's trajectory and uses his testimony to analyze the political participation of youth, freedom of expression, and the social and political challenges faced by Angola since independence. The book also recalls the detention of the activists in June 2015, when they participated in reading and debate meetings of the book "Ferramentas para Destruir o Ditador e Evitar Nova Ditadura" by American researcher Gene Sharp.
The interview with Samussuku also touches on aspects of his personal history, including the origin of his name and his path of civic and political intervention, marked by criticism of governance and defense of fundamental rights. Fatland's book "O Marinheiro" travels through territories that were part of the former Portuguese Empire, on a journey through four continents and three oceans.
The book combines reportage, historical investigation, travel narrative, and reflection on the legacy of Portuguese expansion, from 15th-century navigations to decolonization and the contemporary realities of previously colonized countries. The work includes passages through countries and territories such as Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, India, Macau, Malaysia, and East Timor.
Erika Fatland is internationally known for her works "Sovietistão" and "A Fronteira", dedicated to the history, geography, and societies of different regions of the world. The Brazilian release of "O Marinheiro", scheduled for December, is expected to bring an international perspective on Portuguese colonial history and its consequences.
The book features the testimonies of citizens from countries that were part of this past, including Angolan activist Hitler Samussuku. The release of "O Marinheiro" in Brazil is expected to generate interest in the country's literary and intellectual circles, as well as among those interested in understanding the complexities of Portuguese colonial history.
The inclusion of Samussuku's testimony in "O Marinheiro" highlights the importance of freedom of expression and human rights in Angola and beyond. The book's release in Brazil will provide a unique opportunity for readers to engage with the experiences of individuals who have shaped the course of history in various countries.
Key points
- The book "O Marinheiro" features a chapter dedicated to Angola and includes an interview with Angolan activist Hitler Samussuku.
- The book explores the legacy of Portuguese expansion and its consequences in various countries.
- The Brazilian release of "O Marinheiro" is scheduled for December.
