This book is a first-person narrative about the life of Bento.
Bento recalls his youth and adulthood, and tells about his friendships, education, romantic life, and family relationships.
Machado de Assis tells a story about a man consumed by his own jealousy. This book contains one of the most intriguing dillemas of brazilian literature:
Did Capitu cheat on Bento or not? Machado de Assis doesn't reveal it.
Each reader makes his own mind.