Mapping Saudade: New Book Explores the Soul of Cape Verde
Swedish journalist and author Henrik Brandão Jönsson returned to the heart of his creative inspiration this week, presenting his latest book, “Saudade – Cartografia de um sentimento” (Saudade – Cartography of a Feeling), in the city of Praia, Cape Verde.
Published by Penguin, the work explores the profound, bittersweet longing captured by the word saudade—a concept Jönsson argues is best understood through the lens of the Cape Verdean archipelago. “The core of this book is Cape Verde,” Jönsson told Lusa news agency during the event. “More than 30% of the book is dedicated to these islands, and the stories I treasure most are set right here.”
A Journey Sparked by a Song
Jönsson’s fascination with the term began decades ago when he first heard the iconic voice of Cesária Évora. Her world-famous track “Sodade” ignited a curiosity that led him across several continents, seeking to understand how Portuguese speakers navigate this complex emotion. This journey first brought him to Cape Verde in the 1990s, a trip that ultimately convinced him to move to Brazil, where he has served as a correspondent for the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter for the past 25 years.
The book serves as an emotional map, weaving together narratives from Cape Verde, Madeira, and the Azores. It also follows the diaspora, documenting the lives of Azoreans and Cape Verdeans in the United States and Madeirans in Venezuela.
The Human Cost of Migration
While the author concludes that “saudade has no flag,” he believes the book arrives at a critical time for global discourse on migration. “It is a book that speaks to the pain of people who are migrating and explains why they do it,” Jönsson explained. “I think that is a vital contribution to the current debate.”
Seeking Justice for a National Anthem
Beyond its cultural exploration, Jönsson’s work shines a spotlight on a long-standing legal battle surrounding the song that started it all. In 2006, a court ruled that Armando Soares was the rightful author of the music and lyrics to “Sodade.” However, Soares’ heirs have yet to receive any practical benefits or royalties from the legendary track.
“No one is taking this seriously,” Jönsson remarked, expressing hope that his book will pressure authorities to act. “I want to seek justice for that family.”
Following the presentation at the “Nhô Eugénio” bookstore in Praia, Jönsson is scheduled to present his work on Wednesday in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente—the home of the late Cesária Évora herself.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
