Midnight Stories

In this collection originally published in 1873, Machado de Assis presents us with six short stories that explore, with sharp irony and keen insight, the dilemmas of human nature, social appearances, and the games of power and desire. In "Midnight Stories", the author moves between humor, drama, and social critique, showcasing the best of his short prose and anticipating many of the themes that would define his mature work. The stories included in the book are: • The Blue Parasite – A gripping tale about ambition and deceit, in which the arrival of a mysterious young woman disrupts the routine of a traditional family. • The Wedding of Luís Duarte – A story about the twists of fate and the unexpected consequences of romantic and financial decisions. • Ernesto So-and-So – A narrative centered on vanity and intellectual pretension, in which a dreamy young man seeks literary and social recognition. • Dayless Dawn – A melancholic story reflecting on the unfulfilled promises of youth and the missed connections in life. • The Gold Watch – A tale marked by tension and greed, centered around a seemingly harmless gift that unveils uncomfortable truths. • Point of View – A text that invites reflection on how different perspectives can completely change the interpretation of a single event. With subtlety and wit, "Midnight Stories" takes us through plots that, though set in the 19th century, still resonate with striking relevance today. A critical and entertaining portrait of Brazilian society through the sharp pen of Machado de Assis.