Dancing with the Devil in the City of God

Dancing with the Devil in the City of God chronicles Rio de Janeiro during its preparation for hosting the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Journalist Juliana Barbassa returns to her native city to document this period of transformation through on-the-ground reporting and personal narrative. The book examines Rio's attempts to overcome its challenges - from violent crime and environmental problems to housing crises and economic inequality. Barbassa gains access to key figures in politics, law enforcement, and civil society while also sharing stories of ordinary citizens affected by the city's changes. Through interviews and investigation, the narrative tracks both successes and failures as Rio strives to present itself on the global stage. The author's dual perspective as both insider and outsider allows her to navigate between the official version of events and street-level realities. The work raises questions about the true cost of mega-events and rapid urban development, while exploring themes of identity, memory, and the complex relationship between a city and its inhabitants. Through Rio's story, Barbassa reveals broader truths about power, progress, and the price of change in modern metropolises.

Readers found this journalistic memoir provided insight into Rio de Janeiro's complexities beyond tourist perceptions. Through personal observations and interviews, the book examines Rio's transformation leading up to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Readers appreciated: - Balance of personal narrative with factual reporting - Coverage of multiple social classes and neighborhoods - Clear explanations of Brazil's political history - First-hand access to key figures in Rio's development Common criticisms: - Pacing slows in middle sections - Some repetition of themes and statistics - Limited coverage of positive aspects of Rio life Reader K. Thompson noted: "She brings both an insider's knowledge and an outsider's perspective." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (80+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (40+ ratings) Several readers mentioned the book pairs well with contemporary works on Brazil's social issues and urban development.

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🌴 Author Juliana Barbassa was born in Brazil but spent her childhood living across multiple continents before returning to her homeland as an Associated Press reporter to document Rio's transformation. 🏆 The book chronicles Rio de Janeiro's preparations for hosting two major global events - the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics - and examines the social costs of this rapid development. 🏗️ During Rio's pre-Olympic makeover, over 67,000 people were evicted from their homes in favelas between 2009 and 2013, often with minimal compensation or alternative housing options. 🌊 The title references Rio's famous Christ the Redeemer statue (City of God) and the complex negotiations between politicians, police, drug traffickers, and citizens (Dancing with the Devil). 🎭 Barbassa's narrative weaves together personal experiences with extensive research, including interviews with everyone from favela residents to city officials, providing both intimate stories and broader socioeconomic analysis.