This classic Brazilian novel tells the story of Bento Santiago, a wealthy lawyer who suspects his wife, Capitu, of infidelity. The novel is a masterpiece of unreliable narration, as the reader must question whether Bento’s suspicions are founded or if they are merely a product of his own paranoia. Through Bento’s tale, Machado de Assis explores themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships.