Note sull'episodio
In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful speaks with Brynn Barineau, author of Jungle of Ashes, about the astonishing true history behind her novel: Henry Ford’s attempt to build a rubber empire in the Brazilian Amazon. Together, they explore Fordlandia as both historical spectacle and human tragedy—an ambitious industrial dream undone by arrogance, cultural misunderstanding, and the brutal realities of the rainforest.
Brynn shares how her years living in Brazil first introduced her to this overlooked story and why she felt compelled to turn it into fiction. The conversation moves from the real history of Fordlandia to the craft of writing Jungle of Ashes, including her decision to humanize this vast historical failure through two young protagonists, Joanna and Rafael. Brynn and Colin also discuss the science behind the rubber plantation’s collapse, the emotional and political stakes of writing about cultural collision, and the way historical fiction can make readers want to keep digging into the past.
They also talk about Brynn’s personal journey as a writer, teacher, mother, and independent author—covering everything from life in Brazil to the long road to publication, the validation of early reviews, and the creative struggle of making art while balancing work and family. The result is a rich conversation about history, storytelling, resilience, and the hidden costs of empire.
History Through Fiction is more than a podcast—it’s a place for readers, writers, and lovers of historical storytelling to discover overlooked history through novels, conversations, workshops, and community. To explore more episodes, books, and events, visit https://www.historythroughfiction.com.