Why is the press boycotting my book?

A soccer player knows, at the end of the match, whether he played well or badly. An actor knows, at the end of filming, whether he acted well or was a ham. A writer knows, when he puts the final period, whether he wrote a good book. That was the feeling I had when I finished "The Day I Met Brilhante Ustra," in April 2024, after fifty years of frustrated attempts. 

The editor, Luiz Fernando Emediato, who had previously rejected some of my manuscripts, also became enthusiastic, especially after reading the review by the professional reader from his publishing house, Geração Editorial, the writer Cássia Janeiro. He ordered it to be printed. We signed a contract. 

It was a long wait until the book was published. As always, Geração Editorial, whose portfolio includes bestsellers such as "A Privataria Tucana," sent copies to all journalists in the culture section in November 2024. 

Three months later, the book, which has been and continues to be praised by readers all over Brazil, whether they are my friends or not, has only appeared in the press twice. 

In Mônica Bergamo's column, which published photos of the book signing in Folha and O Globo, it was cited by columnist Júlio Maria as one of the five best books of the year. And that was it. Not a single note informing that the book is on the market. No reviews, neither for nor against. Just silence. 

And then I start wondering if it's not me I'm dealing with, because the book, from all indications, is good. I wonder if I'm on Folha's index because one day a Globo actress, who was dating someone important at the newspaper, complained about me, didn't like the interview I did with her for "Sexy" magazine. A reporter was assigned to write an article tearing me apart. But that was 30 years ago.

It must be something to do with me, and not with literature. Lira Neto's bestselling book about Oswald de Andrade deserved cover stories in both Folha and O Globo, with all the attention even before it was published. Marcelo Rubens Paiva's book, also about the horrors of the dictatorship, like mine, besides being boosted by the incredible and well-deserved success of the film, is in the newspapers almost every day.

The only media outlet that gave me space was 247. 

And my greatest joy comes from the fantastic messages from readers. All of them spontaneous. 

Here are a few.

"Alex, your book is excellent! Too bad for anyone who doesn't read it." (Roberto Gervitz, filmmaker.)

“As the book's editor, I had the privilege and great pleasure of reading it. It was one of the best books I've ever read. Normally, when editing books, I take breaks because the work is usually tiring, but in the case of "The Day I Met Brilhante Ustra," I even forgot about those breaks. If you, the reader of this review, are looking for a book that talks about the dictatorship from the perspective of someone who suffered because of it and that is engaging, I highly recommend it.” (Fernando Castilho)

“The day I met Brilhante Ustra” is essential reading for understanding such a dark period in the country's history. Its writing captivates from beginning to end. The best book I read in 2024.” (Telma Guelpa, TV 247 viewer.)

“Dear Alexander, popular Solnik, it was worth waiting 50 years to write the book. Your account of the torture of waiting for the torture that never came is impressive… I finished reading it yesterday… We are contemporaries, we studied at the same university, we worked in the same places, but I was never arrested, I didn't know Ustra. When things got tough, I went to work as a correspondent for JB in Germany. Your mother reminds me a lot of mine, I also had a “babushka”, and we fell in love with the same girl at ECA, Pituca, remember? Who ended up with someone else… Small world… Congratulations on the book. Success! Happy 2025! Warm regards, Ricardo Kotscho.” (Journalist)

“Alex, Good evening. I received your book and planned to read it during my vacation next week, but I couldn't resist the wait and have already devoured it completely like a fine wine. It was a touching experience that moved me because I learned the truths of a dark time that is once again haunting us through the hands and cursed convictions of sadists who have never ceased to exist. May they never again terrorize other humans, and we are left with the certainty that solidarity can create deep bonds between strangers who share the same pain, and thus, rescue the humanity that makes us believe in the dream of a better world. Thank you for the experience of learning your story. Dictatorship never again! "The meek shall inherit the earth." Hugs, Martha. (Martha Messias, TV 247 viewer.)

“I devoured your book, practically in one sitting. You described the horrors you went through in a very special way, the sensations, the details; I felt like I was there too. You can imagine the fear and the feeling of helplessness in that nightmare. I always pass by Tutóia, always a chilling sensation… Incredible the initiative of Mrs. Raquel in managing to get the food wrapped in newspaper! Your parents took a huge risk! She thwarted the scheme! Sensational! Besides the food, you were fed a daily news clipping and the idiots didn't even notice, they're still stupid to this day! I remember your mother's loving smile and even her voice! Wonderful book, especially at this moment when all this could have returned again, in the coup… Big hug and much success!!!” (Marcio Levyman, graphic artist).

“I managed to buy 'The Day I Met Brilhante Ustra' on Apple Books. It wasn't available on Amazon. Very good. Excellent. Hard to stop reading, super interesting. Even so, I'll want an autographed copy when my friend comes to visit in February. It's coming soon!” (Marcinha Antifascista, TV 247 viewer.)

“I just wanted to tell you that your book is FUCKING AWESOME! I finished it yesterday, in ecstasy. The highest praise: I walked around the house with the book while heating up food, eating, peeing. Awesome! Alex, I have to make a call to close a deal with a really bad magazine. We'll talk later. I just want to reiterate that your book is FUCKING AMAZING! I haven't read Graciliano Ramos's prison novels, Gramsci's, Oscar Wilde's, or Jean Genet's. But yours is in the running. Hugs!!” (Walterson Sardenberg, journalist.) 

"Congratulations, Alex, excellent book about the hero of the genocidal maniac who now grovels for amnesty." (Paulo Coelho, writer)