The 33 Greatest Works of Brazilian Literature
After beginning to throw off its colonialist fetters, Brazil was among the first of the Latin American countries to develop a national literature in the nineteenth century. Novelist, poet and playwright Machado de Assis was a standout figure in this period. Brazilian literature evolved through the twentieth century as successive surges of cultural independence brought names like Mário de Andrade, Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Clarice Lispector to national and international attention. Most globally famous may be writer Paulo Coelho, though his significance is debated within Brazil.
The list below covers the greatest Brazilian literature of all times, cultures and genres. It focuses on major fictional works, including novels, novellas, novel series, epic poems, plays, story collections and poetry collections.
The selection is based on the continuing research carried out for The Greatest Literature of All Time and further research into Brazilian literature acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars.
Latest update: January 16, 2026
1769
O Uraguai
by José Basilio de Gama, Brazil
Epic poem
1844
Moreninha
by Joaquim Manuel de Macedo, Brazil
Novel
1852–1853
Memoirs of a Police Sergeant
by Manuel Antônio de Almeida, Brazil
Novel
1855
A Night in the Tavern
by Álvares de Azevedo, Brazil
Story collection
1857
The Guarani
by José de Alencar, Brazil
Novel
1865
Iracema
by José de Alencar, Brazil
Novel
1870
Floating Foam
by Castro Alves, Brazil
Poetry collection
1881
The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cuba
by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, Brazil
Novel
1890
The Slum
by Aluísio Azevedo, Brazil
Novel
1895
Bom-Crioulo: The Black Man and the Cabin Boy
by Adolfo Caminha, Brazil
Novel
1899
Dom Casmurro
by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, Brazil
Novel
1902
Rebellion in the Backlands
by Euclides da Cunha, Brazil
Nonfiction novel, originally Os Sertões ("the backlands")
1911
The Sad End of Policarpo Quaresma
by Lima Barreto, Brazil
Novel
1912
Me and Other Poems
by Augusto dos Anjos, Brazil
Poetry collection
1925
Brazilwood
by Oswald de Andrade, Brazil
Poetry collection, originally Pau-Brasil
1928
Macunaíma
by Marío de Andrade, Brazil
Novel
1938
Barren Lives
by Graciliano Ramos, Brazil
Novel
1943
Near to the Wild Heart
by Clarice Lispector, Brazil
Novel
1950
Poetic Anthology
by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Brazil
Poetry collection
1956
The Devil to Pay in the Backlands
by João Guimarães Rosa, Brazil
Novel, originally Grande Sertão: Veredas
1958
Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
by Jorge Amado, Brazil
Novel
1964
The Passion According to GH
by Clarice Lispector, Brazil
Novel
1968
Tent of Miracles
by Jorge Amado, Brazil
Novel
1975
Ancient Tillage
by Raduan Nassar, Brazil
Novel
1977
The Hour of the Star
by Clarice Lispector, Brazil
Novel, originally A hora da estrela
1988
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho, Brazil
Novel, originlly O Alquimista
1991
Sun Sets in São Paulo
by Berardo Carv alho, Brazil
Novel
1997
City of God
by Paulo Lins, Brazil
Novel
1998
Veronika Decides to Die
by Paulo Coelho, Brazil
Novel
1999
Capão Pecado
by Ferréz, Brazil
Novel
2000
The Devil and Miss Prym
by Paulo Coelho, Brazil
Novel
2000
Two Brothers
by Milton Hatoum, Brazil
Novel
2003
Budapest
by Chico Buarque, Brazil
Novel
