In early eighteenth-century Portugal, King João V promises to build a convent in Mafra if his wife, Queen Maria Ana, gives him an heir. José Saramago's novel follows the construction, through the eyes of Baltasar Sete-Sóis, a war veteran who lost a hand, and Blimunda, who has the gift of seeing inside people. With Padre Bartolomeu, a priest who builds a flying machine, they work on the dream while the Inquisition burns heretics and thousands of workers are forced to haul stone. Saramago uses long sentences and dialogue without quotation marks to describe love, power and human labor.
It's a rich historical novel for readers who like Saramago's style. It suits those who want a blend of satire, romance and fantasy in a Portuguese setting.
Deep, contemplative, open-ended and thought-provoking; a demanding read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1982
- Language
- EN
