Rio Claro Writer Teresinha da Rocha Pereira Selected for Paraty Literary Festival

Teresinha da Rocha Pereira, a writer, researcher, and professor from Rio Claro, Rio de Janeiro, has been chosen to participate in the Casa da Leitura e do Conhecimento program at the Paraty International Literary Festival (Flip). She is one of 43 participants selected nationwide. Pereira will join a discussion panel titled 'Entre Linhas e Mulheres' (Between Lines and Women), focusing on women's presence in literature, memory, and the challenges female writers face in gaining visibility. Pereira expressed that being part of an official program, with a designated speaking space, is a significant achievement compared to her previous independent participation. She holds a Master's degree in Portuguese Language from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Her selection was based on her recent book, 'Tecidos de Memórias' (Fabrics of Memories), which explores female writing as a practice of memory, resistance, and self-affirmation. Additionally, Pereira researches poet Fagundes Varela, a prominent figure in Brazilian literature historically linked to Rio Claro. This research led to the co-authored children's book 'Varela e a Magia das Palavras' (Varela and the Magic of Words), which recounts the poet's life as a story. The Paraty International Literary Festival, established in 2003, is a cultural event recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Rio de Janeiro state and the city of Paraty, drawing literary and cultural figures for discussions and activities. This year's festival honors contemporary Brazilian poet Orides Fontela, marking the second consecutive year a poet has been celebrated, following Paulo Leminski in 2025.