Germano Almeida: the Lusophone writer of influence
Germano Almeida is a Cape Verdean writer, acclaimed as one of the most important authors in contemporary Lusophone literature. Born on the island of Boa Vista, Almeida co-founded the literary magazine “Ponto & Vírgula” and founded the publishing house “Ilhéu”.
He graduated in Law from the University of Lisbon and practiced law, was a member of parliament and Attorney General of the Republic of Cape Verde, and has long dedicated himself to literature.
Regarding his literary works, Germano Almeida wrote novels, short stories and chronicles, exploring themes such as Cape Verdean identity, immigration, politics and social life.
His style is marked by humor, irony and rich, expressive language. His works have been translated into several languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, French, English, Spanish and Italian, expanding his international reach and allowing readers from different cultures to appreciate his unique writing and international critical acclaim.
Awards and recognition
He was awarded the prestigious Camões Prize in 2018, consecrating his literary career. He has won other important awards, such as the José Craveirinha Literature Prize and the Expresso/Gulbenkian Literary Prize, and was decorated with the Order of Infante D. Henrique (Portugal).
In 2022, Almeida received the Vergílio Ferreira Prize, one of Portugal’s most prestigious literary awards, for his “outstanding contribution to Portuguese literature”.
His works have made a significant contribution to understanding the culture and history of Cape Verde, and his original, humorous and engaging writing makes him one of the great names in Lusophone literature.
Notable Works
In terms of novels, we have the books “O Testamento do Sr. Napumoceno da Silva Araújo”, “A Família Trago”, “O Espelho das Espelhadas”, “O Mar na Lajinha”, “Os Dois Irmãos” and recently “Infortúnios de um Governador nos Trópicos”.
In terms of short stories, we have “Estórias Contadas”, “O Dia das Calças Roladas” and “Missão Particular”. As for the chronicles, we have “Perdoem-nos as Mússas” and “Crónicas do Atlântico”.
Of all his works, which total 16 books, the most notable are “The Faithful Departed”, “The Thorns of Passion” and “Two Brothers”, which even has a movie about it.
The last book published in 2023, entitled “Misfortunes of a Governor in the Tropics”, is a novel and includes a mixture of social and political satire that explores the challenges of power and corruption. The work received positive reviews and cemented Almeida’s position as one of the leading authors in Portuguese-speaking countries.
As far as literary events are concerned, Almeida frequently participates in literary events such as book fairs, lectures and workshops, both in Cape Verde and abroad. At these events, he shares his reflections on literature, culture and society with the public.
He has been a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters since 2021, occupying Chair 36. At the Academy, he actively participates in literary activities and contributes to the debate on the future of the Portuguese language.
Germano Almeida is committed to various social causes, using his voice to defend social causes and contributing his world views to debates on the future of the Portuguese language, human rights, social justice and environmental protection.
Over the years, Almeida continues to be a prolific and engaged author, both in literature and in society, and his work continues to be translated and awarded, and his voice respected throughout the Portuguese-speaking world.
He currently lives in São Vicente in the city of Mindelo and is 73 years old.
