The Deceptive Realism of Machado De Assis: A Dissenting Interpretation of Dom Casmurro : Book Review

"The Deceptive Realism of Machado de Assis" by John Gledson offers a comprehensive exploration of the works of Brazilian author Machado de Assis. Gledson delves into Assis' background, providing valuable insights into his life and the historical context in which he wrote. This contextual understanding sets the stage for Gledson's examination of Assis' unique writing style and his mastery of deceptive realism.

Gledson focuses on Assis' use of deception and irony as central elements of his writing. He argues that Assis skillfully masks social and psychological truths through humor and satire, challenging conventional literary tropes and expectations. To support his argument, Gledson closely analyzes specific examples from Assis' novels, providing a deep understanding of Assis' deceptive realism.

Furthermore, the book delves into the intricate layers of Assis' works and their complexity. Gledson highlights how Assis weaves together themes of race, class, and power dynamics, challenging societal norms and questioning established hierarchies. He identifies the subversive nature of Assis' writing and how it serves as a critique of Brazilian society.

Overall, Gledson's analysis offers valuable insights into Assis' literary genius. The book meticulously examines Assis' unique writing style, his use of deception and irony, and his subversion of social norms. This comprehensive exploration provides readers with a greater appreciation for the complexity and depth of Assis' contribution to literature.

In summary, "The Deceptive Realism of Machado de Assis" is a well-researched and insightful analysis that sheds light on the works of this influential Brazilian author. Gledson's thorough examination of Assis' writing style and themes offers readers a deeper understanding and admiration for his literary prowess.

What are readers saying?

"The Deceptive Realism of Machado de Assis" by John Gledson has received a range of reviews from readers, with differing opinions on its merits. Some reviewers commend the book for its thorough analysis of the works of Brazilian author Machado de Assis, while others critique it for its dense and difficult-to-understand nature.

Many readers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Gledson's analysis, noting its effectiveness in exploring Machado de Assis' unique style and the prevalent themes in his writing. They find the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of Machado de Assis' works, especially in regards to his portrayal of Brazilian society and his skillful use of irony and satire.

However, there are readers who struggle with Gledson's writing style, finding it challenging to follow and engage with. They suggest that the book's academic language and dense prose make it inaccessible to a broader audience, potentially limiting its appeal to scholars or those well-versed in literary analysis.

Furthermore, a few reviewers express their disappointment with the lack of clarity and coherence in Gledson's arguments. They feel that the book would benefit from better structure and organization, as it sometimes veers off into intricate tangents that obscure the main thesis.

Overall, opinions on "The Deceptive Realism of Machado de Assis" are divided. While some readers find it to be a valuable and insightful study of Machado de Assis' works, others see it as overly complex and hard to approach. If you have a keen interest in delving deeply into the analysis of this Brazilian author's writing, this book may be worthwhile, but be prepared for a more academically oriented reading experience.

MachadoDeAssis BrazilianLiterature LiteraryDeception