He's only written one book I didn't completely fall in love with - The Tale of the Unknown Island. I thought everything else was a masterpiece, to one degree or another.
I've heard many people say he's a "demanding" writer simply because his sentences and paragraphs go on forever, but I don't agree. I think, once you settle into the rhythm of his writing, it flows like molten chocolate (horrible simile, I know, sorry). Anyway, I find his writing very easy to read.
I love his themes, his characters, his trademark dogs.
Just wondering: Does anyone else here love him as much as I do, and has anyone read his latest, Seeing, the sequel to Blindness?
Posts: 227 | Location: On the top of the hill, in the warmth of the sun | Registered: 02 March 2007
I have a number of his novels back in Oz, but to date I have only read "The Gospel according to Jesus Christ" which is mind-bogglinly sooipoooib! I intend to work my way through most of his canon eventually. He is a master of the internal dialogue.
Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.
Posts: 2759 | Location: The ever silent spaces of the East | Registered: 12 February 2007
Let us know what you think of his other books when you read them, okay? I would love to know. I find his characters so lovable. The Cave wasn't his best book, but I adored the characters, and of course, Saramago's trademark dog. The Double wasn't his best, either, by far, but the premise was fascinating and I would give the book 4.5/5. Not bad. For me, his best are Blindness, All the Names, and Balthasar and Blimunda.
Posts: 227 | Location: On the top of the hill, in the warmth of the sun | Registered: 02 March 2007
Cool. yr list of recommendations is noted and filed.
When i get home from this tour of duty ha ha I'm on it!
Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.
Posts: 2759 | Location: The ever silent spaces of the East | Registered: 12 February 2007
Loved Blindness. A horror book for those with a penchant for the abstract is what I tell my friends when I recommend it. And so atmospheric -- I love how the characters remain completely anonymous throughout. I'm definitely going to pick up another one of his.
Posts: 85 | Location: CoMO | Registered: 01 February 2006
I absolutley love Saramago. My favorite so far has been his novel, Blindness. Yes, I loved it too. I am currently on the sequel Seeing and can't wait to see how it pans out.
How is "Seeing"? I read "Blindness" and liked (but didn't love) it. "Seeing" seems to have a really interesting premiss and it was recently cited by Zizek in his treatise on violence so I was thinking about reading it.
It ain't hallelujah, but it might as well have been.
Posts: 840 | Location: Sweden | Registered: 27 September 2006
For me, his best are Blindness, All the Names, and Balthasar and Blimunda.
