Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by colinlusk
Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis
4.0
Simultaneous reading of this (English) copy, given to me by a Portuguese friend, in tandem with a Portuguese audiobook. It's a classic Brazilian story in the mould of "Tristram Shandy", with a playful edge. The way the author addresses his reader reminds me of the way painters on TV (let's say Bob Ross because I'm imagining Rolf Harris and nobody wants to be compared to him) explain what they're doing as they fill out the canvass with blocks of colour that gradually cohere into a picture. It's really nicely done, feels like a breeze to read and even manages to raise a laugh or two.
Shakespearean Tragedy is explicitly present too, especially Othello, with its themes of jealousy. Jealousy is what finally destroys Bentinho, and the question you're left with is, was he right to suspect his wife or not? I have to say not. He seems an unreliable narrator, in fact quite daft by the end, wrapped up in this idea, not listening to anyone, talking utter nonsense about his mum after her death, barely noticing his wife's and being rather pleased when his son dies. Its easy to believe he just imagined the whole idea.
I need to listen to some Brazilians reviewing this stat, especially people who think Capitu really did have an affair. I'd love to know why.
Shakespearean Tragedy is explicitly present too, especially Othello, with its themes of jealousy. Jealousy is what finally destroys Bentinho, and the question you're left with is, was he right to suspect his wife or not? I have to say not. He seems an unreliable narrator, in fact quite daft by the end, wrapped up in this idea, not listening to anyone, talking utter nonsense about his mum after her death, barely noticing his wife's and being rather pleased when his son dies. Its easy to believe he just imagined the whole idea.
I need to listen to some Brazilians reviewing this stat, especially people who think Capitu really did have an affair. I'd love to know why.