Restoring Democracy in Avelina da Silveira’s Seagulls Also Die

Avelina da Silveira’s Seagulls Also Die is a gripping tale set in a distant yet unsettlingly familiar future where the Azores have fallen under a brutal fascist regime. The novella chronicles the lives of brave women and men who resist oppression and strive to bring democracy back to their homeland. Silveira’s vision of a dystopian Azores is vivid and poignant, reflecting a world where freedom is stifled and hope flickers precariously like a dying flame—a future that is all too familiar in many parts of the world.

At the heart of the story is the influential collective of women who spearhead the resistance. Silveira portrays them as multifaceted characters—strong yet vulnerable, courageous yet burdened by the enormity of their task. These women defy traditional roles, using their intellect and emotional resilience to rally others in their fight for democracy. The narrative underscores the importance of solidarity and how their efforts inspire men to join their cause, making the resistance a shared struggle for liberty.

The novella skillfully examines the return to the islands and, with it, the psychological toll of living under a fascist regime. Silveira delves into themes of surveillance, betrayal, and the erosion of trust within communities. Yet, amidst the pervasive atmosphere of fear, the characters’ acts of defiance—both small and monumental—create a tapestry of resilience. The seagulls, an evocative symbol in the story, represent both the islands’ natural beauty and the suppressed freedoms of its people, serving as a constant reminder of what is at stake. As she points out, through an amalgam of occurrences and webs, democracy is not a given, even in small and poor places.

Aelina da Silveira’s portrayal of the Azorean landscape and idiosyncrasy is both evocative and symbolic, juxtaposing the rugged, unyielding terrain with the fragility of democracy. The islands’ isolation becomes a double-edged sword, making them a fortress for the regime and a crucible for revolution. The detailed descriptions of the island mirror the characters’ inner struggles, while the seagulls’ omnipresence ties the island’s fate to the more prominent themes of freedom and oppression.

Ultimately, Seagulls Also Die is a tale of hope and perseverance in the face of authoritarianism. Silveira crafts a profoundly personal and universally resonant narrative, shedding light on the sacrifices required to reclaim democracy. Through her courageous characters and hauntingly beautiful prose, she reminds readers of the enduring power of collective action and the unyielding human desire for freedom. The novel is a cautionary tale that reminds us that democracy is not a given and a beacon of hope for future generations.

Diniz Borges

You can purchase the book in print or on Kindle in English and Portuguese through Amazon.

About the author (from Amazon)

Avelina da Silveira is a Portuguese Canadian artist, poet, and speculative fiction writer. She was born in Angola, Africa, and lived in various countries, but she stayed the longest in Canada, where she completed her education and worked as a teacher for three decades. After retirement, Avelina moved to Portugal, to the island of São Miguel in the Azores, where she is living her best life.

Avelina misses her two loving children and two grandchildren who live in Canada. Although she lives alone with Cloud, her delightful cat, Avelina, thrives surrounded by the most wonderful friends a woman can have.

Avelina da Silveira dedicates her life to creative pursuits and making a difference in her community through volunteering and being politically active as one of the leaders of the Left Bloc in the Azores (a political party).

For Avelina, writing is a process of constant creativity and joy. She laughs and weeps with her characters while the stories or poems evolve organically. The revision and editing processes are also fun and give her a sense of accomplishment.

Pictures from the author’s Facebook page from the Portuguese version presentation in São Miguel, Azores.

Other books by Avelina da Silveira