Tiodora's Letters: An Enslaved Woman's Fight for Family and Freedom

Set in mid-19th century Brazil, Tiodora's Letters recreates the harrowing story of Teodora, an enslaved woman who writes to recover her family and win freedom. Separated from her husband and son, she commissions letters with the help of Claro, a literate Black man, hoping her words will reach them and persuade enslavers to grant her emancipation. Based on real correspondence, Tiodora's Letters is a rigorously researched historical graphic novel brought to vivid life by Marcelo D Salete, whose art powerfully conveys the brutality and resilience of the era. A fictional companion, Benê, a young Black man who admires Teodora, undertakes a perilous journey into Brazil's interior and coffee plantations to deliver the letters. The book blends wordless sequences with expressive panels and includes educational material that contextualizes slavery in Brazil. This standalone hardcover edition compels readers with its empathetic storytelling and a striking visual reconstruction of a forgotten chapter in history.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Readers who enjoy historical graphic novels and social justice narratives
• Fans of Marcelo D Salete's art and storytelling
• Educators or students seeking contextual histories of slavery in Brazil
• Readers who connect with character-driven tales of resilience and family