In 1551 King John III of Portugal offers an Asian elephant, Solomon, to the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, and the animal sets out from Lisbon for Vienna with his Indian keeper, Subhro. The route crosses Spain, Italy, and the Alps, passing courts, barracks, and villages, and each encounter gives José Saramago a chance to mock power, the Church, and the vanity of kings. The story rests on a historical fact and adds humour, digressions, and the author's long, unbroken sentences.
A short, light book that makes a good first Saramago for anyone who has not tried him. Fans of historical novels that look at the past with a critical, amused eye will also enjoy the slow progress of the elephant and his keeper across the continent.
Deep, contemplative and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Wisdom Collector. Which reader are you?
- ISBN
- 9789722120173
- Language
- PT
