The book club dives into their first read from the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist.

On Earth as it is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated from the Portuguese by Padma Viswanathan, published by Charco Press.

This book was also longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize US & Canada 2026.

The original Brazilian Portuguese novel, titled Assim na Terra como embaixo da Terra, won Prêmio São Paulo de Literatura.

Part of a shared universe, serving as a sequel to the award winning Of Cattle and Men, this is the third book in the series to be translated into English.

🍰Read it & Eat it

Check out the club’s socials to see journalist & home baker Aaron’s baked cake from this book.

He rustled up a Bolo de Fubá, which is a cornmeal cake often eaten with coffee early in the day.

If you’d like to see Aaron bake some of his recipes inspired by the books get in touch.

📘Judging the Book by it’s cover

The crew discuss the meaning behind the typical minimalist Charco-style cover design by Pablo Font.

📛The Name Game

On discussing the alternative As Above, So Below publishing expert & writer Colin throws another suggested title for the book into the ring.

📚Shelf-Help

Lucy lends her bookworm expertise in offering up some books similar to this one if you enjoyed the themes, characters, location or plot.

From John Steinbeck to Hemingway. Colin also suggest connections to the likes I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman.

Due to the books’ cinematic writing we find similarities to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest & Breaking Bad, as well as some classic Western films.

If you enjoyed this book you might also enjoy our many discussions on the novel Eden’s Shore by Oisin Fagan.

⏭️Next Up

The second book in the shortlist that the book club is diving into is She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated from the Bulgarian by Izidora Angel, published by Peirene Press.

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Colin @c_f_writes