The blog Reino Literário published a text talking about the work “O Silêncio dos Livros”.
The recent events at the Bienal do Livro show that we are far from having reached a peaceful coexistence with those who think differently. Intolerance reveals itself. The fact that a publication is ordered to be retracted, labeling it offensive, for not agreeing with its content, demonstrates that there will always be those who want to control – and prohibit – what others read.
In the fictional universe of The Silence of Books, of the Doctor of Legal Sciences Faust Panicacci, the plot begins with the phrase of impact, stamped on a sign: “HAVING BOOKS IS CRIME. REPORT IT".
Imprisoned by the “subversive act” of owning books, the character António, a cultured and fearless publisher, explains to his fellow prisoner what is happening “out there”:
“The overriding idea was that everything should submit to the 'sovereignty of the self'; as, however, the full satisfaction of multiple 'egos' found an obstacle in books – which did not allow for modifications according to the whims of each 'ego' – only digital books in which anyone could make cuts and additions should be allowed. (…) Bookstores were attacked, libraries were destroyed, digital collections destroyed by viruses, and the ban on books became one of the main topics in election campaigns" (The Silence of Books, p. 92),
The work is not just about this theme: it is also about the impact of technology on human life, family relationships, loss of innocence, friendship, loneliness, guilt and redemption. Dealing with a dark time in which books are banned, it is linked to the tradition of works such as “Fahrenheit 451”, by Ray Bradbury, and, more recently, “A Sombra do vento”, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and “A girl who stole books”, by Markus Zusak.
The Silence of Books it also tells us about the role of Literature, as “through the characters we are able to observe the world with different eyes, savoring lives other than our own and, thus, better understand those around us” (p. 99). Indispensable work in times of intolerance.
