Machado de Assis

Machado de Assis was a Brazilian writer, poet, playwright, and literary critic, widely regarded as the greatest writer of Brazilian literature. He was a founding member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and served as its president for many years.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas

    Epitaph of a Small Winner
    Cover of 'The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas' by Machado de Assis

    The novel is a unique and satirical work, narrated by a dead man, Bras Cubas, who recounts his life from beyond the grave. The story is filled with ironic humor and philosophical musings as Bras Cubas explores his past, his relationships, and the societal norms of his time. The narrative breaks conventional storytelling norms, often addressing the reader directly and jumping through time without warning. Themes of love, wealth, power, and the human condition are explored, providing a critique of 19th-century Brazilian society.

    The 298th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Dom Casmurro

    Cover of 'Dom Casmurro' by Machado de Assis

    The novel is a darkly comic, yet tragic exploration of love, betrayal, and jealousy, told through the unreliable narration of the protagonist, a middle-aged man who believes his wife has cheated on him with his best friend. The narrative is filled with ambiguity and uncertainty, forcing readers to question the reality of the events described. The novel is also a profound exploration of the human psyche and the destructive power of obsession.

    The 630th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Alienist

    Cover of 'The Alienist' by Machado de Assis

    The story revolves around a well-respected physician who establishes an asylum in a small Brazilian town to study and treat mental illness. As he begins to diagnose and institutionalize an increasing number of townspeople, the line between sanity and insanity blurs, leading to chaos and unrest within the community. The narrative explores themes of power, the nature of madness, and the impact of scientific ambition on society, ultimately questioning the true definition of normalcy and the ethics of psychiatric practice.

    The 16756th Greatest Book of All Time
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