"The Devil to Pay in the Backlands" - Summary

Riobaldo's narration is central to the novel. He recounts his life, not chronologically, but through a series of memories, anecdotes, and philosophical musings. This technique immerses the reader in Riobaldo's mind, highlighting the fluid nature of memory and the importance of storytelling as a way of understanding life, particularly in the oral tradition of the Sertão.

The Sertão itself is a character in the novel, a harsh and unforgiving landscape that shapes the lives of its inhabitants. Rosa explores the complex relationship between man and nature, showing how the environment can both nurture and corrupt, offering moments of breathtaking beauty alongside constant danger and hardship. The characters, like Riobaldo and his rival Diadorim, reflect this duality, grappling with inner demons and external forces in their quest for survival.

Haunted by the choices he made during his life as a jagunço (gunman), Riobaldo's tale is a search for meaning and redemption. He questions fate, free will, and the nature of good and evil. Through his interactions with a diverse cast of characters, from the wise to the wicked, Riobaldo grapples with his past, seeking to understand the consequences of violence and the possibility of forgiveness.