The novel Face delves into the symbolic and metaphysical exploration of identity and self-perception, set against the vivid backdrop of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro and Rio Piedras. The detailed depiction of the Brazilian landscape serves as more than just a setting—it underscores the profound psychological themes that drive the narrative. The plot, while lacking traditional suspense, centers on the transformative journey of Helio, a man grappling with the loss of his face. From the outset, readers are introduced to Helio's predicament, setting the stage for an exploration of identity beyond physical appearance.

Helio's journey is a poignant examination of identity in the absence of a conventional face. Stripped of his recognizable features, he becomes unrecognizable even to those who once loved him, despite remaining unchanged within. This loss challenges the societal notion that our faces are the essence of our identity. Instead, Helio's experience suggests that the face serves as a social mask, a facade crafted to navigate social interactions rather than a true reflection of the self.

Through Helio's struggle and eventual success in reconstructing his identity, the novel emphasizes the idea that identity is more than skin deep. It questions the authenticity of the self we present to the world, highlighting the conventionally constructed nature of personal and social identities. Ultimately, Face invites readers to reflect on the distinction between who we are and the personas we adopt to fit societal expectations.

Helio's journey of self-reconstruction echoes with the existential motifs of isolation and the arbitrary nature of self-identity. However, Helio is portrayed as more than just a victim subjected to an unchangeable destiny. In his effort to rebuild his face, he embodies a profound will to survive coupled with an enterprising spirit. Rather than succumbing to the victimhood that traditional European philosophies might impose on him, Helio confronts his circumstances with a fervent spirit reflective of Third World resistance. This underlying political and ethical narrative is intensified by the novel’s deliberate avoidance of overt political discourse, making the themes of resistance and autonomy all the more resonant.