Child of the Dark Was the First

Child of the Dark was the first book written by Carolina Maria de Jesus, a black Brazilian woman born in 1914. The book rapidly became a bestseller in Brazil. The book is famous and still in print today, published in 14 languages. It details the story of the woman's struggle as the great-grandchild of slaves, to seek a better and productive life for herself and her family. Though the theme is common to many great heroes, it inspires motivation and awe in many people. Her book in fact became the best selling novel in Brazilian history, capturing a unique aspect of her life and times.

The book brings to life the hardships and social and economic difficulties of the people of Brazil. The story resounds in the heart of many, as it tells the struggle of a young woman born into poverty who becomes famous.

Born in the year 1914 in a town called Minas Berais, Carolina Maria de Jesus was afforded many opportunities a poor woman would not ordinarily in her circumstances. Carolina was fortunate to have the opportunity at age seven to attend school due to the goodwill of a nearby landowner's family. Most poor females that grew up in the small town and area the Carolina was raised in did not have the advantage of having any education at all, especially a woman of color. One should also note that Carolina Maria de Jesus was the great-grandchild of slaves, and only had the opportunity to attend two years of school. Regardless of her brief educational period, Carolina became literate. Unfortunately Carolina did not always gain respect because of her education, as many of her peers and family perhaps out of jealous sneered at Carolina and felt she acted pretentious. As she grew older Carolina moved to the nearby city of San Paulo, the largest industrial city in South America, and found work as a maid. She became pregnant shortly thereafter however, and lost her position. To make ends meet Carolina collected what she could from the trash to sell in order to by food and clothing for her family. Carolina would go on to have three children during her lifetime.

During her years of struggle, Carolina began to keep a diary of her daily exploits on pieces of paper she collected as time progressed. This would result eventually in her fame. A gentleman by the name of Audelio Dantas, a reporter at the time discovered Carolina and her diary and decided to publish it. His first success came in the form of brief excerpts in a newspaper, which eventually translated into a book. The book, called "Quarto de Despejo" became the English translating best seller Child of the Dark. Carolina was promoted to some notoriety with this book. She continued with her passion of reading and writing, and went on over the course of her life to publish four more books. These books however were not received well by the press and unfortunately Carolina nearer the end of her life found herself struggling for money once again.

Though her life takes an unusual twists, and goes from what some may consider bad to good to bad again, Carolina Maria de Jesus may be seen as an inspiration. Carolina's life story in this book has had a great influence on the people of Brazil and Latin America, especially the poor. Many people have considered her the voice of the poor people, especially women of this area. Carolina did not care for fame however, and wanted to be solely appreciated as an artist and poet. She gradually lost her status among the Brazilian people, at least for her failure to be involved politically it seems with the popular goings on of the time. This is very unfortunate, for her story is inspiring and speaks volumes of her talent and dedication. Her story reveals the everyday life among the poor in Brazil, but also offers hope to the very same people that one can be successful.