Thank you for the ARC and apologies for the late review. I sought this out myself after it expired at the recommendation of my boyfriend, a huge progressive. I knew nothing of Lula (or Brazilian politics) prior to reading this book and it provided a fascinating overview of his life and political career. Very thorough, well researched. Thank you for bringing his story forward for those of us who may have lost faith in the political system.

The rise of former Brazilian President Lula is a fascinating read. The author overexplained some parts about the politics in Brazil, but other than that, it was a really good read. Lula was able to go from being born to illiterate parents to becoming President of Brazil. This is admirable, but even more so is his ability to listen to even those that were his enemies and find common ground to work together on. This is something that is currently lacking in politics, so it really stood out to me.

This is a fascinating account of one of the outstanding leaders of Brazil. Lula was sompopular not only in Brazil but also within the international community during his tenure. It is just sad that unfortunate political rivalries happened.

In depth look at the cultural, social, institutional, and personal forces that shaped the life and career of former Brazilian President Lula. For someone not an expert in Brazilian politics or labor history, the detail was overwhelming at times, but what emerges is the portrait of a man whose "cunning" was to find common ground and forge relationships with everyone (even his enemies) and use the relationships and methodical planning to get power and get ahead. The details of Brazilian working class life and the contrast with his brother Frei Chico are particularly interesting.