Joseph, the carpenter, is haunted by a past decision when Herod's soldiers killed the infants of Bethlehem, and he dies on a cross. His son Jesus grows up with that history and leaves home, finding refuge with a shepherd, Pastor, who turns out to be the Devil, and later spending time with Mary Magdalene. In a conversation with God aboard a boat, Jesus learns the plan for his death and the scale of suffering it will cause across history.
José Saramago wrote the book as an ironic, humane criticism of how religions justify violence. It suits readers who like challenging literary fiction and are open to a sceptical retelling of a familiar story.
Deep, contemplative, open-ended and thought-provoking; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
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