74 pages 2 hours read

Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis

Dom Casmurro

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1899

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis follows Bento Santiago as he reminisces about his life, focusing on his longtime love for Capitú, their marriage, and his suspicions of her affair with his close friend, Escobar, which culminates in jealousy, betrayal, and a shattered relationship. The novel's unreliable narration explores themes of trust and perception, solidifying its status as a classic of Brazilian literature. The source material features depictions of suicidal ideation and domestic violence, and it contains outdated, offensive terms to describe Black and Romani individuals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis is widely praised for its masterful narrative and psychological depth. Readers appreciate its intricate exploration of jealousy and unreliable narration. However, some find the pacing slow and the ambiguous ending unsatisfying. Overall, it remains a staple in Brazilian literature for its innovative style.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dom Casmurro?

Readers who relish psychological depth, unreliable narrators, and intricate explorations of jealousy and memory will appreciate Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis. Fans of Nabokov's Lolita or Fowles' The Magus will find this Brazilian classic compelling and thought-provoking.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Latin American Literature

Psychological Fiction

Period

Realism

Themes

Relationships: Marriage

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt