In Viúva Simões, Júlia Lopes de Almeida skillfully explores the complexities of love, jealousy, and societal expectations in early 20th century Brazil. The story follows the titular character, Viúva Simões, as she navigates the challenges of widowhood and the unwanted advances of a suitor who threatens to disrupt her carefully constructed world.

Almeida's writing is both poignant and thought-provoking, delving into themes of social class, gender roles, and the consequences of desire. The vivid descriptions of Rio de Janeiro provide a rich backdrop for the characters' interactions, drawing the reader further into the drama unfolding within Viúva Simões' household.

Overall, Viúva Simões is a captivating read that offers a fascinating glimpse into the conventions and constraints of Brazilian society at the turn of the century. Almeida's nuanced portrayal of her characters and their relationships makes for a compelling and memorable story that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Book Description:
Ernestina Simões é rica, bonita, ainda jovem e viúva. Com uma filha já moça, ela vive praticamente reclusa em sua casa em Santa Tereza, com uma vida social muito restrita. Casar de novo? Nem pensar, pois quer poupar à filha, Sara, o desprazer de conviver com um desconhecido, um padrasto. Não quer dividir com outrem o amor que julga ser só para a filha. Até que um dia, a vida lhe prega uma peça e recoloca no caminho de mãe e filha uma paixão de juventude de Ernestina. O que se segue é um enredo de paixões, disputa, loucura, culpa, remorso, arrependimento e expiação.

Ernestina Simões is rich, beautiful, still young, and a widow. With her grown-up daughter, she lives practically as a recluse in her house in Santa Tereza, leading a very restricted social life. Marrying again? Not a thought of it, because she wants to spare her daughter, Sara, the displeasure of sharing her life with an unknown stepfather. She does not want to share with someone else the love she believes belonging to her daughter only. Until one day, when life played a trick on her and set on mother and daughter's path a passion from Ernestina's youth. What follows is a plot full of passion, dispute, madness, guilt, remorse, regret and expiation.