Doña Flor y sus dos maridos

The novel, set in Salvador, Bahia, begins with the sudden death of Dona Flor's husband, Vadinho, during Carnival celebrations.

Despite his troublesome life of gambling, partying, and drinking, Vadinho remains the love of her life.

After a period of mourning, Dona Flor marries Dr. Teodoro, a local pharmacist who offers a life of respectability and stability.

However, on the first anniversary of her marriage, Vadinho returns as a ghost, creating a conflict between Dona Flor's attraction to him and her commitment to Dr. Teodoro.

The novel draws on Afro-Brazilian rituals and folklore, capturing the extravagance of Vadinho's exploits both in life and after death.