Subject
Short stories, Brazilian Books
Best books
Machado de Assis
Reliquias de Casa Velha
"Reliquias de Casa Velha" by Machado de Assis is a collection published in 1906. This penultimate work gathers sixteen texts across multiple genres: a poem dedicated to his deceased wife, nine stories, a speech, three literary essays, and two plays. The title reflects Machado's conception of these pieces as relics from an old house—memories of happiness lost and sadness passed. The stories explore themes of slavery, passion, death, and human psychology with Machado's characteristic insight, ranging from the disturbing "Pai contra Mãe" to philosophical meditations on mortality.
Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay Taunay
Ao Entardecer (Contos Varios)
"Ao Entardecer (Contos Varios)" by Visconde de Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The narratives intertwine themes of illness, familial struggles, and social commentary, offering a reflective look at human emotions and connections. Central to the opening story is a young boy named Alberto, whose delicate health and indomitable spirit set the stage for a poignant exploration of love, hope, and despair in the face of mortality. The opening of the story introduces us to Alberto, a sickly child traveling with his family from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro. As they journey by train, the narrative reveals Alberto's struggle with a severe illness, which permeates conversations with his concerned parents and caregivers. The boy attempts to maintain a cheerful disposition, finding joy in small observations about the world outside, despite his suffering. His resilience and desire for knowledge shine through in his musings, as he expresses a longing to travel and learn. Amidst the parents’ turmoil over their child's precarious health, we see their love and desperation unfold, making it clear that the boy’s fate looms large over the family’s journey.
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