Lula of Brazil: The Story So Far

by Richard Bourne

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's dramatic life story has captured the imagination of millions, and his progressive politics have brought hope and excitement to Brazil—and the world. This compelling work is the first major English-language biography of the metalworker who became president of Latin America's largest and most powerful country. In a clearly written, vividly detailed narrative, Richard Bourne describes Lula's childhood hardships in an impoverished family, his days as a revered trade unionist, and the strike movement that brought down Brazil's military dictatorship. The book chronicles Lula's campaigns for the presidency, his first term in office beginning in 2002, a major corruption scandal, and his reelection in 2006. Throughout, Lula of Brazil connects this charismatic leader's life to larger issues, such as the difficulty of maintaining a progressive policy in an era of globalization. Brazil's contemporary history, parallels with other developing countries and other world leaders, the conservatism of Brazilian society, and other themes provide a rich backdrop for assessing the struggles, achievements, and failures of this major figure on both the Brazilian and the world stage.

Genres: Politics

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[May Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to try to get a better understanding for this important character in Brazilian politics during the current millenium. It is actually pretty impressive how a person with such a humble beginning can become president of a nation that is incredibly heirarchical in its background.



While I do not get a sense that his domestic policy was so great, it sounds like his foreign policy was fantastic. The book does appear to attribute much of the improvements in export expansion to his work in courting China and using ignored regulation as bargaining chips. An interesting read for a quick background on Lula.

[Ramy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book does not cover Lula's second presidential term. However, it gives a fairly good overview of Brazilian politics in the second half of the 20th century, and how Lula's Workers Party came into existence and eventually to the presidency.

[Hans Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to understand the current leader of Brazil as well as get a glimpse of an emerging economy I highly recommend this book

[Tomas Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to the man who has led Brazil in the past and leads it again today. Mr. Bourne provides a quick (if not detailed) short bio that is useful for non-Brazilians seeking to understand Lula. As a Brazilian myself, I did appreciate Bourne's analysis of Lula's character and especially his early career as a strike leader, which is often overshadowed by his time as a candidate and president. If you're looking for a short biography of an important politician, this is an excellent place to start.

[Rafael Nardini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lula é o presidente que conseguiu passar mais tempo viajando do que governando. Parece impossível? Mas não é. Essa informação é do próprio professor Richard Boune, biografo oficial do presidente. Vale prestar atenção na agenda oficial do atual governante. Não é que o futuro repete o passado. É puro trambique!