Como e porque sou romancista

In this intimate letter‑style memoir, the writer opens a window onto the youthful moments that sparked his lifelong devotion to the novel. He recalls the bustling corridors of his elementary college on Lavradio Street, the firm yet inspiring presence of a teacher whose disciplined zeal left an indelible imprint on his imagination. Through vivid, almost tactile memories—the clang of the school bell, the shuffle of worn books, the chatter of classmates—he shows how ordinary school days became the fertile ground for his literary aspirations.

Beyond the classroom, the author reflects on the broader currents of a still‑forming Brazilian culture that urged him to give voice to its stories. He explains, with candid humility, how personal experiences and fleeting encounters blended into a compelling urge to write romance, offering listeners a glimpse of the early forces that shaped a pioneering literary spirit.