The Seamstress: A Novel
Oct 2009 · Harper Collins
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About this ebook
"This impressive debut novel seduces with its sweeping story, strong characterization, and . . . vivid detail. A good read-alike for fans of Isabel Allende." — Booklist, starred review
As seamstresses, sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, how to mend, and how to conceal. These are useful skills in the backcountry of Brazil, where ruthless land barons feud with bands of outlaw cangaceiros, trapping innocent people in the cross fire.
Both sisters dream of escaping their small town. But when Luzia is abducted by a group of cangaceiros, the sisters' quiet lives diverge in ways they never imagined. Emília stumbles into marriage with Degas Coelho, whose wealth is rivaled only by his political power.
As Emilia moves into a glamourous life in the seaside city of Recife, Luzia is forced to endure a nomadic existence. Determined to survive, Lucia begins to see the cangaceiros as comrades, not criminals.
As the country is split apart after a bitter presidential election, Emilia must hide her connection to her notorious sister, while Luzia makes alliances that draw her deeper into danger. But Luzia will overcome time and distance to entrust her sister with a great secret. And when Luzia's life is threatened, Emília will risk everything to save her.
An enthralling novel of love and courage, loyalty and adventure, The Seamstress heralds the arrival of a supremely talented new writer.
"The novel's true beauty is the exquisitely realized relationship between Emilia and Luzia." — Library Journal
"Fans of Isabel Allende will find much to recommend in this saga, with its fully realized characters, gripping moral quandaries, tense drama, and lyrical descriptive prose." — Elle
As seamstresses, sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, how to mend, and how to conceal. These are useful skills in the backcountry of Brazil, where ruthless land barons feud with bands of outlaw cangaceiros, trapping innocent people in the cross fire.
Both sisters dream of escaping their small town. But when Luzia is abducted by a group of cangaceiros, the sisters' quiet lives diverge in ways they never imagined. Emília stumbles into marriage with Degas Coelho, whose wealth is rivaled only by his political power.
As Emilia moves into a glamourous life in the seaside city of Recife, Luzia is forced to endure a nomadic existence. Determined to survive, Lucia begins to see the cangaceiros as comrades, not criminals.
As the country is split apart after a bitter presidential election, Emilia must hide her connection to her notorious sister, while Luzia makes alliances that draw her deeper into danger. But Luzia will overcome time and distance to entrust her sister with a great secret. And when Luzia's life is threatened, Emília will risk everything to save her.
An enthralling novel of love and courage, loyalty and adventure, The Seamstress heralds the arrival of a supremely talented new writer.
"The novel's true beauty is the exquisitely realized relationship between Emilia and Luzia." — Library Journal
"Fans of Isabel Allende will find much to recommend in this saga, with its fully realized characters, gripping moral quandaries, tense drama, and lyrical descriptive prose." — Elle
"This impressive debut novel seduces with its sweeping story, strong characterization, and . . . vivid detail. A good read-alike for fans of Isabel Allende." — Booklist, starred review
As seamstresses, sisters Emília and Luzia dos Santos know how to cut, how to mend, and how to conceal. These ar...
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Ratings and reviews
1 review
Kaye Bannerman
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June 14, 2026
Pulled me in... Held me captive.. anticipating tragedy at every turn of page... Brilliantly evocative writing
About the author
Frances de Pontes Peebles's short stories have appeared in Indiana Review, Zoetrope: All-Story, and the collection O. Henry Prize Stories, 2005. Born in Pernambuco, Brazil, she is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She divides her time between Brazil and Miami.
Frances de Pontes Peebles's short stories have appeared in Indiana Review, Zoetrope: All-Story, and the collection O. Henry Prize Stories, 2005. Born in Pernambuco, Brazil, she is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She divides her time between Brazil a...
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