‘January 30’: Nobody knows what life holds…

Beto Cabral and Patricia Fernandes, owner of Casa Portuguesa in Danbury He thought he had lived the “American Dream,” coming to the United States and returning home after eight years to enjoy the profits of his hard work in the company of his wife and son. Little did he realize that fate had different plans.

“Janeiro 30 – O Que o Tempo Guarda” which in English translates as “January 30 – What Time Holds…” is a novel by Beto Cabral, Brazilian writer and musician. Cabral, 45, was born in Governador Valadares, the city where the story and the drama of his protagonist Julio Miller will develop.

Son of a respected poet in Pernambuco, a state located in the Northeast region of Brazil, Cabral started to reveal his writing talents at the age of twelve, when he wrote his first children’s book, about Brazilian folklore.

In 2004, he migrated to the United States, bringing with him the draft of what was to become his first published novel.

“The story is so captivating that I read it [the whole thing] during my trip back to Brazil.

I couldn’t stop reading,” said Cabral’s brother André the evening of his book signing on January 29. Casa Portuguesa (The Portuguese House) in Danbury hosted the signing as well as a fund-raising dinner.

At the novel’s debut, guests commented on the fascinating storyline and the life-changing lessons they experienced through the protagonist’s suffering and distress when he lost his son Felipe to an accident.

Unwilling to accept the death of his 10-year-old son, Julio surrenders to mixed sentiments—his inner revulsion and the pain of missing Felipe so desperately. As Julio passes out, he embarks on a spiritual experience, traveling with his son, who brings him back to the year 1938 in the city where his father was born – Governador Valadares.

“January 30” is an intriguing and touching story that will compel you to follow its characters on an emotional, spiritual and transformative journey through time. As the author proposes, “Take your seat and enjoy the ride.”

Cabral’s novel was originally written in Portuguese, but he plans to have it translated into English as well.

For more information about the author and the novel, please visit the website www.janeiro30.com.