Ana Pessoa - Mary John

For weeks now, I’ve been writing to you. I’m not really sure why. I’m not really sure what for. Who are you, Júlio Pirata? I keep thinking about our story. From the beginning. From the first meeting. From the first question: “Are you a boy or a girl?” I’m a girl because of you, Júlio. I let my hair grow for you, I pierced my ears for you. I live and die for you. Every month I get my period, I die a little and I think of you. You say: “You’re dead!” And I die. I throw myself on the floor, just like that. And I don’t want that. I never want to die again, Júlio. I want to live forever. Every minute of every hour of every day.

In a long letter addressed to Júlio Pirata, Maria João reflects on the years spent in the small square where they both lived during childhood and adolescence. Balancing sorrow and humor, Maria João organizes her thoughts and emotions, gathering strength to begin a new chapter in her life. After Supergigante, Ana Pessoa returns with an intense story that masterfully captures adolescence, in a book illustrated by Bernardo P. Carvalho that will win over all teenage and adult readers who appreciate great literary works.