Dance Lest We All Fall Down: Breaking the Cycles of Poverty in Brazil and Beyond
Available October 2010
There are three ways to order your book today!
* University of Washington Press Website
* University of Washington Press Order Form
* Amazon.com: see link at bottom of page
The Story Behind the Book
About “Dance Lest We All Fall Down”
Every now and then an unintended detour becomes so meaningful that it changes one’s entire journey. This is a story of how one stopover in a Brazilian shantytown forever changed the life of the author and led to a global community working to end poverty for some of our world’s most disadvantaged people, impoverished African-Brazilian girls.
A China scholar on a professorial track, Willson is persuaded by a Brazilian friend to take advantage of a cheap layover between Europe and Australia in Bahia, Brazil. Known for its white sand beaches and enchanting culture, Bahia is also home to vast shantytowns, grinding poverty, and unparalleled inequality. Willson, an anthropologist, lives for one month amongst this poverty and vows to return at the end of her stay. She returns to spend over three years living in the shantytowns, where she befriends Rita Conceição, an African-Brazilian activist. Together, Margaret and Rita set out to change the violence and despair they see around them.
It is a story that takes us to a world of drug dealers, street urchins and capoeiristas, English socialites, power-hungry ‘do-gooders’ and wise teachers from surprising corners of society. The end result is a learning center that supports African-Brazilian girls as they go from illiteracy to university. Through her well-told story of one community’s effort to alleviate poverty, Willson inspires everyone working to make a difference in our world to start small, be open to learning, and not be afraid to take the journey where ever it leads you.
Written with passion and knowledge, Dance Lest We All Fall Down won a Silver Medal for Multicultural Literature in the 2008 Independent Book Awards.The author tells the story through dramatic interwoven episodes taken from detailed anthropological notes made at the time the events unfolded. Willson takes the reader through life-transforming encounters tinged with violence, sexuality, greed, love, betrayal and a stubborn will to survive. Readers become a part of the unique friendship between the author and her African-Brazilian activist partner and share the rise and fall of their turbulent journey from dreaming of a better world to making it a reality.
About the Author
Dr. Margaret Willson is an anthropologist who has lived in the United States, Australia, China, Papua New Guinea, England, and Brazil. She did her Ph.D. at the London School of Economics and has taught at universities in the United States and Europe. She is currently the International Director of Bahia Street and lives in Seattle. Dr. Willson is a regular speaker at conferences, book clubs, and other events.
Awards
2008 Independent Publisher Book Award Silver Medalist
What Amazon.com readers have said about “Dance”
“A work that is part adventure story, part soul searching confessional, part insight into the perils and pitfalls of trying to do good work. An excellent book.”
“I highly recommend this book– it is a great read with a comfortable style and gripping narrative. Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down.”
“I realized that buying this book put at least 3 books in the hands of a girl who wants to read and study against all odds. I read it cover to cover–I’m sure you will too!”
“You will put down the book having a real sense of faith in humanity after reading the thoughts and experiences that Margaret has so unselfishly put down on paper.”
How to order copies
Dance is now available for order through University of Washington Press and Amazon.com. In Seattle, the book can be found through Seattle Public Library.
Order Form for Dance Lest We All Fall Down
How to help spread the word
We have greatly appreciated the enthusiasm that greeted the release of “Dance.” Many people read the book and ask how they can help… here’s a short list:
- Post your thoughts about the book on Amazon.com.
- Organize a Brazil-themed book night with your friends.
- Order a book through your local independent bookstore and encourage them to stock it.
- Email 10 friends about the book with a link to Bahia Street.
- Give the book as birthday or holiday presents.
- Make a donation to Bahia Street in honor of your favorite book character.
- Write to us with your thoughts– we want to know what you think.
For Book Clubs…
Dance Lest We All Fall Down Reading_guide
Dance Lest We All Fall Down Press Advisory
Dance Lest We All Fall Down Powerpoint Slideshow
Dance Lest We All Fall Down Book Cover for promotions
