Summary: Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
             Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon by Jorge Amado is set in Brazil in the port town of Ilheus during the 1920s. At the beginning of the novel, Ilheus is experiencing a terrible rainfall that threatens the prized cacao crop, on which the town depends for its survival. Through a miracle, the rains cease, and the people believe they are blessed-but really their troubles are only beginning. The religious people of the land are ruled by the irreligious, domineering "colonels" who dispense much-needed funds to enable the churches and schools to function. The colonels can do no wrong and nothing these strong-armed men do is questioned. For example, one of the cornels named Colonel Mendonça is so corrupt that he believes he is entirely above the law, and is surprised when he is put on trial for the murder of his wife when he finds her with a lover, and kills both the man and the woman in his fury. He, along with the other cornels and wealthy cacao baron plantation owners have all of the money and power in the land, the people only have religion.
             The romantic plot of the novel revolves the story of a migrant worker of mixed race named Gabriela and a Syrian café owner named Nacib. Hence the name of the book-Gabriela cooks food filled with sweet spices at the local café. Gabriela, after she washes off the dirt and grime of her poverty, reveals herself to be a great beauty and a great chef. Her skin smells like the cloves and cinnamon of her dishes. Although she is not educated in cuisine or in life, she knows how to prepare traditional Bahian dishes and soon the café becomes popular again which makes Nacib a happy man for awhile. However, gradually be becomes tormented with thoughts of jealousy. He wants not simply to love Gabriela but to possess her, and this is far more difficult than making a perfect dish.
             The political plot of the novel, which is interwoven with the roma...