Latin American Short Stories Reading Group with Alessandra Santos

VLACC is pleased to present the April session of our Latin American Short Stories Reading Group, featuring Professor Alessandra Santos from the University of British Columbia.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Location: Conference Room at Britannia Community Services Centre

(1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4)

This session will focus on three remarkable short stories by Clarice Lispector, one of Brazil’s most influential and enigmatic writers:

1. Os desastres de Sofia – The Disasters of Sofia (1964)
2. A imitação da rosa – The Imitation of the Rose (1960)
3. A procura de uma dignidade – In Search of a Dignity (1974)

Lispector’s fiction is known for its psychological depth and philosophical intensity. In these stories, everyday situations become moments of profound internal revelation. Through subtle shifts in perception and language, Lispector explores themes of identity, self-awareness, social expectation, and the fragile search for meaning and dignity. Her characters navigate quiet yet powerful transformations that illuminate the complexity of inner life.

This gathering offers a welcoming space for thoughtful discussion, collective reflection, and connection through literature. No prior knowledge of Latin American literature is required.

The discussion will take place in English, and both English translations and the original Portuguese versions will be provided. Please make sure to read the stories in advance of the session.

Access the readings here:

About the Facilitator

Alessandra Santos is originally from Brazil. She is an associate professor at the University of British Columbia. Specialization: Latin American culture, utopias, gender, postcolonial/ decolonial studies. Publications: monographs on Brazilian multimedia artist Arnaldo Antunes, and cult film The Holy Mountain; and two co-edited interdisciplinary volumes on The Utopian Impulse in Latin America and Performing Utopias in the Contemporary Americas (both co-edited with Kim Beauchesne).

Please note that this event will be photographed and filmed for internal documentation and promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any photos or recordings, kindly inform us upon arrival.

With the support of Britannia Community and Services Centre.

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