Brasileira is a novel of internet romance realized and its resulting personal and immigration challenges. Scott Russell previously met a Brazilian lady, Juliana, online and made several trips to Brazil where he not only got to know her family and culture but fell in love as well. A retired and divorced Californian, Scott had to overcome his marriage anxiety before finally proposing. This is all told in flashbacks.
After obtaining a tourist visa, Juliana makes her first trip to California. Once the two are settled in Scott’s apartment, he leads Juliana on a mission of discovery. He shows her the California sights, tells her some of its history and introduces her to Cara, his daughter. His aim, to show Juliana his world and a whole new way of life.
A paper chase ensues in struggling through the lengthy, expensive, and bureaucratic immigration process. When it is finally over, the two lovebirds celebrate. Scott raises his glass in toast. Well, honey, we’ve made it through some very challenging times my heart attack, your diverticulitis. All those complicated government forms we had to fill out. The medical tests you had to endure. Even a trip to Rio for your K-3 visa interview. Then your green card interview in San Francisco. That's not even counting the cost. I just want you to know I love you and truly believe it was all worth it. I wish us to be always together. They agree, with all the time, cost, and effort they’d put in, they had little empathy for anyone entering the country illegally.
Complicating the situation, Scott finds out his daughter’s new boyfriend entered the country illegally. Brasileira is a story of the challenges faced by two lovers from different countries and what they must endure to live together.
