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Dom Casmurro

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1899

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Book Brief

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Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis

Dom Casmurro

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1899
Book Details
Pages

282

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Rio De Janeiro • 1850s

Publication Year

1899

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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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 The source material features depictions of suicidal ideation and domestic violence, and it contains outdated, offensive terms to describe Black and Romani individuals.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Contemplative

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.

Character List

Bento Santiago

Bento is the first-person narrator whose journey from adolescence to adulthood is marked by a struggle between familial expectations and personal desires. He transitions from a rebellious youth with aspirations for freedom into a conventional adult who grapples with jealousy and societal pressure.

Bento's childhood friend and wife, Capitú is portrayed as a curious and intelligent woman whose actions and intentions are frequently misjudged. Her relationship with Bento is fraught with complexity, marked by her determination and adaptability to challenging circumstances.

Bento’s closest friend, Escobar is an important figure in Bento's life from their time at the seminary through adulthood. His amiable nature and deep ties to Bento’s family create a significant bond, although perceptions of him vary among characters.

Capitú’s childhood friend and later Escobar’s wife, Sancha forms a close connection with Bento and Capitú. She participates actively in their shared social life, and her marriage to Escobar is characterized by harmony before his untimely death.

Ezekiel is the son of Bento and Capitú, whose childhood demeanor reflects his mother’s traits. His growing resemblance to Escobar generates tension and uncertainty in his relationship with Bento as he matures.

Book Details
Pages

282

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Rio De Janeiro • 1850s

Publication Year

1899

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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