Gabriela

Gabriela is a young mulatto girl, a migrant from the backlands who travels to Ilhéus to find work as a cook. After Nacib hires her, the two become lovers and eventually marry. Gabriela, however, is a free spirit. Sensual and beautiful, the young woman is still a child at heart, and dreams about attending the circus and dancing in the town Christmas pageant.

Gabriela has no desire to be a kept woman. Before marrying Nacib, she declines multiple offers from the colonels in town who want to make Gabriela their mistress. The men offer her charge accounts, a fine home and fine clothing, but Gabriela is not interested. For Gabriela, the finer things in life are not expensive. She enjoys Nacib's cozy little home and bar. She is content to cook and clean all day, and does not understand why she should stop doing those things after...