Why do children have to grow up?"

Today, we are discussing the Brazilian masterpiece that has touched millions of hearts worldwide: My Sweet Orange Tree by José Mauro de Vasconcelos.

Set in the poverty of Rio de Janeiro, the story follows 5-year-old Zezé. Precocious and mischievous, he is seen as a "devil" by his struggling family and often beaten. His only solace is Minguinho, a small lime-orange tree in his backyard that he talks to.

But Zezé's world changes when he forms an unlikely friendship with Manuel Valadares ("Portuga"), an older man who becomes the father figure Zezé never had. Through Portuga, Zezé learns what tenderness is—only to face a tragedy that teaches him the true meaning of sorrow far too early.

Join us as we revisit this bittersweet tale of childhood, the power of kindness, and the loss of innocence.

[Episode Timeline]

• 00:00 Intro: "Life without tenderness isn't worth living."

• 01:20 Meet Zezé: The prankster with a heart of gold

• 03:40 The Magic Tree: Conversations with Minguinho

• 05:15 The Turning Point: Meeting Portuga

• 08:30 Learning about Love and Loss

• 10:00 Conclusion: The lasting impact of Zezé's story

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