Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914–1977) was a Brazilian writer and self-taught author known for her poignant and insightful diary, "Quarto de Despejo" (translated as "Child of the Dark" or "Diary of Bitita"). She was born on 14 March 1914, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Carolina Maria de Jesus grew up in poverty and faced numerous challenges throughout her life. She moved to São Paulo in the 1940s, settling in a favela (shantytown) known as Canindé. Living in extreme poverty, she made a living by collecting paper and other recyclables. It was during this time that she started documenting her daily life, observations, and reflections in a diary she found in the garbage.
In 1958, journalist Audálio Dantas discovered Carolina's writing while covering life in the favelas for a São Paulo newspaper. He helped her get her diary published, and "Quarto de Despejo" became a literary sensation in Brazil. The book provided a raw and vivid portrayal of life in the favelas, addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and social inequality.
Carolina's work brought attention to the struggles of marginalized communities and gave a voice to the voiceless. However, despite the success of her first book, she faced challenges in subsequent years, and her later works did not achieve the same level of recognition.
Carolina Maria de Jesus passed away on 13 February 1977, but her writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their historical and literary significance. "Quarto de Despejo" remains an important work in Brazilian literature, offering a unique perspective on the harsh realities of urban poverty.
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