I finished reading Blindness by Nobel-prize winner Portuguese author Jose Saramago. It is a haunting book. In a rather low-key way and without moralizing, it shows human weaknesses. None of the characters have names, only descriptive characteristics. What I found puzzling was that we see what happens through the eyes of somebody who has not lost her sight.
In any case, it is a tough read - ugly things happen - but the style is something I had never read before with run-on sentences that read like real conversations. Here is a sample:
"One of them declared, I'm not budging from here, what they want to do is to catch us and then kill us all, I'm not moving either, said another, Nor me, chipped in a third."
I was surprised I had never heard of the author. I think it says more about me than about the author, though: I am always surprised when I learn something new! (I probably shouldn't have shared that...)
English Cucumbers
10 months ago
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4 comments:
Did you know that there's now a movie based on the book? I recently heard an interview with Don McKellar on CBC about his struggle to get the movie made. I'd like to read the book before seeing it.
I didn't know about the movie. Thanks for letting me know. The book is pretty graphic in places - I am not sure I would want to see it in pictures... For me the allure of the book is in the style in which it is written. But then, I am always partial to books : )
I am an awe of this book. (I'd say I adore it, but it's too "difficult" a book to say that about.) An extremely satisfying read in so many ways.
I found that Saramago's narrative style, especially the way he designed the dialogue, gave a sense of the confusion and chaos that the blind in the story might be experiencing. Like he's made it so the reader feels a little disoriented, too.
The style is typical of Saramago, and though it's challenging, I personally think it's worth struggling with. I would definitely recommend "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ" - another amazing read, and a fascinating and provocative take on the gospel tradition. I have a copy of "The History of the Siege of Lisbon", which I have not read, but which you might find interesting - I haven't read it but I believe it's got a linguistic theme. :-) If you are interested, I could get it to you!
My brother is currently reading "The History of the Siege of Lisbon" - I didn't know it had a linguistic theme. I guess I will be reading more of him. The rhythm of his words is simply amazing. How he can manage it is beyond me.
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