The threads of Torto arado

intersectional perspectives in the narrative of Itamar Vieira Junior

Abstract

Torto arado (2019), by author Itamar Rangel Vieira Júnior – PhD in Ethnic and African Studies – is an award-winning novel that explores themes such as freedom, servitude, work, and resistance within a Quilombola community in rural Bahia, at the Água Negra farm. Delving into the journey of the two protagonists, sisters Bibiana and Belonísia, the author offers a reflection and reminder that individuals, men and women, workers, carry the historical scars of a brutal past that resonate in contemporary social structures. The article discusses the portrayal of women in the novel, highlighting intersectional perspectives and the resistance of female characters, while also addressing the book's relationship with Brazilian regionalism, exploring transformations within the literary genre and its relevance to contemporary discussions. The analysis extends to the social history of labor, showcasing the experiences and resistance of Quilombola workers in their struggle for justice and freedom amid enduring relations of servitude and oppression within Brazilian society. Thus, it is imperative to acknowledge today the lack of public policies ensuring justice and true freedom for Afro-descendant and Indigenous peoples, underscoring the urgent need for actions that promote equity and preserve cultural diversity. Even though there are numerous studies on the book, we emphasize that there is still much to be debated, with the possibility of further expanding the understanding of the social and cultural issues presented by the author.