Machado de Assis (1839–1908)

I sort of read this as it was intended, like a periodical. It took me some time to finish. I didn't make any profound connection between Quincas Borba (the philosopher), Quincas Borba (the dog) and Rubiao. The afterward revealed a lot, which I apparently missed. It's not that I didn't enjoy reading it, it's just that the narrative didn't take me anywhere. I felt that the relationship between Rubiao and Sofia was detriment to the relationship between Rubiao and Quincas Borba (the dog) which was unrepresented and unexplored. This made the story feel rather soulless to me.… (lisätietoja)

Speaking of elegies, this is his last work, written four years after the death of his wife and published the year he died. It is filled with reminiscences, with the valedictory observations of an old man. A bit melancholy, a bit ordinary in the largely unoriginal observations but nevertheless a pleasure to read for all that. A simple story, told as a series of diary entries, it’s a quick and easy read and worth the time. Although it’s not among his greatest works, he’s such a great writer that you can overlook its flaws and read it for the modest pleasures that it brings.… (lisätietoja)