Publishers Call for Borderless Literature in Lusophone World
The collective identity of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) will only thrive if member states implement policies that allow books and authors to move freely across borders, according to the founders of the renowned publishing house Rosa de Porcelana.
Filinto Elísio and Márcia Souto, who founded the publisher in 2013, argue that the “sustainability and longevity” of the Lusophone community depend on nurturing a “cultural humus” where literature is a priority. To achieve this, they suggest the creation of a “diplomatic pouch” for literature—a system that bypasses bureaucratic and customs hurdles to facilitate the distribution of books.
Breaking Down Borders for Books
“We need a more integrated book and reading policy that allows for mobility and blurs borders,” the editors stated. They believe the CPLP should establish a dedicated platform to support publishers, arguing that such a framework is essential for the community to “grow further.”
Rosa de Porcelana has already positioned itself as a vital literary bridge between Cape Verde, Portugal, and Brazil. It gained international recognition by organizing the Sal International World Literature Festival in Cape Verde, but the founders insist that grassroots efforts alone aren’t enough.
A Blueprint for Cultural Integration
To strengthen the ties between the nine member states, Elísio and Souto proposed several concrete measures:
- A Reading Observatory: A dedicated body to monitor and promote literacy across the Lusophone world.
- Patronage and Anthologies: A system to fund annual anthologies featuring short stories, poetry, and essays from across the CPLP to create “reference works” for all citizens.
- Translation Prizes: Awards to help major Lusophone works reach international audiences.
- A Forum for Creators: Regularly convening authors, publishers, and distributors—just as the CPLP does for judicial and economic operators—to shape global policy.
The “Poor Relation” of Policy
The publishers noted that while the CPLP marks its 30th anniversary, culture remains the “poor relation” of public policy and national budgets in many member states. They warned that a true community cannot exist if citizens do not read one another.
“The community only has future sustainability if authors know each other and readers know the works of each country,” they emphasized. Despite these challenges, the duo remains optimistic about the next 30 years.
“We love books, we love authors, we love literature,” Souto and Elísio concluded. Invoking a famous Portuguese historical reference, they added: “It is like the Letter of Pêro Vaz de Caminha: ‘by planting, it yields.’ If we plant, it will yield.”
Image: Pexels – Aline Viana Prado
