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|summary= An interesting, but not an outstanding book about the indentity identity crisis of a newly-rich, ex-favela young man. It takes itself too seriously at times and attempts to shock with a half-incest theme, but is still , in essense essence, another book about coping with uncertainty and lack of self-definition. The book might appeal to men in their late twenties - the level of indecisiveness and responsibility looks just about right, and it does broaden onesone's horizons.

Other than being a self-defined bed-hopper, Ludo - adopted son of the multi-rich owner of a supermarket chain, Ze, so rich that he only travels by helicopter - works for a high-profile marketing company, lives in a nice appartment apartment and drinks way too much. That's about it, that's his life.

Rewind that a few years back and see Ludo as a kid: an ex-favela boy, who would have possibly become a gang member or died of hunger, had his mother not been taken in to work as a cook by Ze's wife. An act of charity... or not? Ludo instantly questions the stories of his childhood. Who was his father? Why did his mother not dicuss discuss favela life with him? Why can he remember nothing but living on Ze's farm?

The duplicity of his situation makes Ludo a stranger in both worlds: he certainly does not fit in to into fly-by-helicopter boy, but he surely does not belong to the favela anymore. The entire story is his quest for self-definition and purpose, be it through making friends with the cleaner who lives in a favela or be it getting his work colleague hammered in a very expensive restaurant. These are all the little steps Ludo has to make to find out who he is and - last but certainly not least - why he has this irresponsible lifelong infatuation by Melissa.

It sounds intriguing, and it reads without effort, but it does not leave a mark. The favela theme is so common these days - anyone remember the movie ''City of God''? - that it fails to shock, if intended. The incestuous love theme has been explored numerous times as well. As for the striving to find your place and figuring out 'who you really are' - it has become an internationally acclaimed hobby these days. It is an ok book, but what is the moral of it, if there is one?

The style failed to impress as well: a very easy read, but it reads like a teenager diary: not only a sense of hormonal drama, but more like an overblown initial problem. To save the character time and trouble - life is not always overly cruel or overly kind, there are a few shades of grey, and self-resentment does not make you special, kid. Grow up.

It seems to me that the book will appeal to men in their late twenties - the level of indecisiveness and responsibility looks just about right, and it does broaden onesone's horizons.

If you enjoyed that book, try another one about a disadvantaged boy struggling with alientation alienation and himself - [[Asboville by Danny Rhodes]]. You might also enjoy [[Wreaking by James Scudamore]].