Brazil is often described as a sleeping giant finally waking up to realize its full potential.

Its economic power is growing steadily as its international commitments and profile generate new respect. This profile will be even more spotlighted in the coming years, as Brazil will host the two most important global sporting events: the Football World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. As Brazil reveals itself for the giant it is, we have to wonder what held it back for so long and what in its recent history finally made its emergence inevitable.

At the center of our narrative is the perspective of a Brazilian family over several generations and across the class divide.

Though this family’s history is unique it also captures the essence of Brazilian society. Its story will be told by all of the living generations, children, parents, grandparents and even great grandparents. They will tell us how they saw the historical transformation of their country and how their own lives changed alongside the events they were witness to.

Our family is in fact two families: it includes both the Bettencourt and the Mendes, masters and servants, the drawing room and the kitchen. It is a little like the TV series Downtown Abbey or Upstairs, Downstairs, insofar as we understand nothing of the wealthy if we do not look also at the poor. We understand nothing of white Brazil if we ignore the black Brazil. They are two parts of the same country.

Though this family’s history is unique it also captures the essence of Brazilian society. Its story will be told by all of the living generations, children, parents, grandparents and even great grandparents. They will tell us how they saw the historical transformation of their country and how their own lives changed alongside the events they were witness to.