In Saramago's last novel, the first murderer of the Bible, Cain, is condemned to wander the earth for killing his brother Abel. He travels from the garden of Eden to the Tower of Babel, to Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac, Noah's ark and the trials of Job, and finds that God allows suffering. The novel has Saramago's long sentences and dark irony, and puts the Creator on trial for injustice.
A good fit for readers who like satirical takes on religion and enjoy a short, irreverent novel. Those who prefer a respectful tone should be warned.
Deep, open-ended and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Literary Connoisseur. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2009
- Language
- EN
