Quando Eu Tinha 35, or When I Was 35, by Jon O'Brien, is a raw and piercing exploration of a life that reflects the stark realities faced by travestis in Brazil, a population whose average life expectancy tragically hovers around thirty-five years, a figure dramatically lower than the national average of seventy-five. The narrative immerses readers in the life of a travesti who confronts her existence with unflinching honesty, alternating between profound despair and a persistent drive to carve out a life that feels meaningful and worth living.
The story is meticulously structured to trace the protagonist's losses and victories throughout her journey, illustrating both the intimate struggles of identity and the broader societal indifference toward the shortened lifespans of trans and travesti individuals. The curation by Eller Cristine Müller, a travesti poet and writer, and Christopher João, a trans man and activist for LGBTQIA+ rights, amplifies the book's critical lens on social neglect and systemic discrimination, making it not only a personal account but also a pointed social critique.
Jon O'Brien, born in São Paulo on June 9, 1998, writes under a pseudonym and has consistently gravitated toward psychological suspense with heavy dramatic undertones, although his creative range extends to poetry, which he has pursued since the age of sixteen. His literary work often interrogates social injustices, sexual identity, and mental health, reflecting both personal insight and a broader awareness of the marginalization faced by vulnerable communities. Writing, O'Brien explains, is not just a craft but a lifeline, a mechanism that has both saved him and become as intrinsic to his daily existence as breathing.
The author's oeuvre is extensive and varied, including approximately thirty contributions to anthologies spanning prose and poetry across multiple genres.
His debut publication, the poetry collection Cara Melancolia, released in 2019, focuses on themes of pain and healing, establishing his voice as one both introspective and socially engaged. Beyond that, he has coauthored Converse com Seus Demônios and penned A Bailarina das Pernas Amarradas, alongside several other e-books available on Amazon, showcasing his versatility and commitment to addressing difficult yet vital topics. Quando Eu Tinha 35 continues this trajectory, providing a narrative that is as much a personal testament as it is a societal mirror, forcing readers to reckon with the fragility of life imposed on those often rendered invisible. Through its unvarnished storytelling, the book challenges readers to confront the harsh inequities faced by the trans community, while also celebrating resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring human desire to seek meaning even in the most precarious circumstances.
Available via Amazon
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