Novel set in Brazil – An Endless River by Rose Alexander

Discover the rubber trade in Brazil

Map of locations in Along  the Endless River

The story starts in London in 1890. Katherine and Anselmo are newlyweds and are interested in finding their fortunes in Brazil. There is news coming out of the country of the burgeoning rubber trade there so they want to try for themselves. They set off and buy a plantation right in the heart of the Amazon forest. All at first seems good, but then tragedy strikes and Anselmo dies.

What follows is a gripping tale of survival and a woman’s role in business and society at that time. It was fascinating to discover what the rubber trade was like. I had no idea of how it all worked and what the challenges would have been. I can’t imagine going out to a new country with someone only to be left all alone, trying to make it work so far from home.

Map of locations in Along  the Endless River

The culture shock that Katherine suffers from the moment she sets foot in Brazil was palpable. You get some great and raw descriptions of how it might be to get such an assault on the senses. There’s so much to get used to; the humidity, the remoteness, the villagers and the workings of the rubber trade. Fascinating insight into the trade and the landscape in and around the Amazon. Life on the plantation was really well evoked – so much so that I felt aggrieved for its workers, the locals and the pressures put on both them and Katherine. The environment there was raw and violent. The plantation owners lived under the daily threat of cruelty. Katherine tries to buck this trend, respecting and working with the plantation workers, the indigenous people there. She wants to learn from them rather than take. She starts to attract admiration and respect from some, but not everyone is happy that she is there. However, one person becomes an unexpected ally…and possibly more?

Map of locations in Along  the Endless River

There is also a story thread in London with Katherine’s younger sister Mabel. Mabel might live in more comfort but she has to leave school as her parents situation changes. When she finds a job in domestic service, there’s an interesting thread which looks at the comparison between the cruelty and working life in a London townhouse and the jungle of Brazil.

The sense of place and atmosphere was wonderful and immersive. I really enjoyed the level of research the author had done to incorporate such a delicate and sensitive, yet fascinating industry. The history and background of the rubber trade was something I hadn’t read about before, Refreshing and very highly recommended!