Brazil Isn’t for Beginners (but everyone can read about it)

I’ve never been to Brazil. I don’t know much about Brazilian culture, and I’m not sure if I ever will.

But when Roger Barlow told me about his new book, Brazil Isn’t for Beginners, I was intrigued. I’m always a bit curious when it comes to other translators’ lives and how they end up where they do.

I’d already pre-ordered a copy for my Kindle, but knowing this, Roger kindly offered me an advance reading copy. I’ll admit I was slightly sceptical. Digital books don’t usually hold my attention the same way a “proper” book does. But in this case, it made no difference at all. I couldn’t put it down.

I read it in the car.
I read it while waiting for the kettle to boil.
I read it while half-watching whatever my kids had on TV.

By the next morning, I was halfway through and casually dropping random facts about Brazil into conversation with anyone who would listen.

Why I loved it

The premise alone is appealing, especially if you’re interested in languages or translation. It follows Roger’s journey to Brazil, which gradually becomes a life and career built around translation. Along the way, there are plenty of those linguistic anecdotes that translators and linguaphiles tend to love.

But what really stood out was the broader cultural insight. The book moves easily between topics like food, sport (some of which went slightly over my head), politics, travel and even real ale. It’s that variety that keeps things engaging. There’s always something new to latch onto, and there’s truly something for everyone.

Would I change anything?

If anything, I wanted more of the small details, like character side stories. But that’s definitely because I’m nosey. Hopefully we’ll get it in book two.

What I was not expecting

The biggest surprise for me was how engrossed I became in the chapter on politics. It’s not a subject I usually gravitate towards, and I wasn’t expecting to connect with the political landscape of a country so far removed from my own. But it ended up becoming dinner table conversation one evening, which says a lot.

Brazil Isn’t for Beginners is an engaging, insightful read that manages to be both informative and genuinely enjoyable. I’ve already recommended it to my book club, and I’m fairly sure I won’t be the only one talking about Brazil for a while. I also want to go and visit now.

Interested? Brazil Isn’t for Beginners is officially released today. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT4N9D3F?language=en_US

P.S. I paid for the book myself and was not asked to write this review. I’m writing it because I genuinely enjoyed it and want to share.