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Title: The History of the Siege of Lisbon by Jose Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero ISBN: 0-15-600624-3 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: September, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.97 (29 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: One Word Can Make All the Difference
Comment: I've read everything Jose Saramago has published and, although BALTASAR AND BLIMUNDA remains my all time favorite, I simply couldn't choose a second favorite from among Saramago's books; I love them all.
THE HISTORY OF THE SIEGE OF LISBON is another masterpiece from Saramago. It centers around a shy, mild mannered proofreader, Raimundo Silva, who, one day, does something quite out of character for a very shy, mild mannered man. Assigned to correct proofs of a history of Portugal, Silva decides to change Portugal's history with one word and one stroke of his proofreader's pen, simply by inserting the word "not" into the text.
His superiors do find his act of folly, but the ramification aren't as severe as one might expect and Silva is given another chance, and, more importantly, another boss. His new boss, Maria Sara, is fascinated by Silva's creativity and, surprisingly, she encourages rather than discourages, it.
I think it would be unfair to tell you whether Silva continues to "alter" the history of the siege of Lisbon, but he is fascinated with Maria Sara's suggestion and with Maria Sara, herself.
At this point in the book, the narrative expands to encompass, not only the modern day, but the twelfth century, Silva's obsession with Maria Sara and a pair of twelfth century lovers, Mogueime and Ouroana. Saramago's transitions are, of course, beautifully and seamlessly written.
I know many people who believe Saramago's writing is difficult to read and demands much from the reader. I'm just the opposite. Saramago is such a great writer and his prose is so fluid, that it simply pulls the reader into the narrative and reading a book by Saramago is effortless rather than difficult, the hallmark of truly superior writing.
I think THE HISTORY OF THE SIEGE OF LISBON is a "lighter," more playful book than some of Saramago's others, especially when he is writing about the budding romance between Raimundo Silva and Maria Sara. Saramago also takes the opportunity to poke a little fun at himself, something I really enjoyed.
THE HISTORY OF THE SIEGE OF LISBON should be a better known and more widely read book, as it is definitely a masterpiece. It is, sadly, greatly overshadowed by BLINDNESS, which of course is also a masterpiece, simply because BLINDNESS is more universal in theme than is THE HISTORY OF THE SIEGE OF LISBON. Still, if you like Saramago, give this book a try. I don't see any way you can go wrong.
Rating: 5
Summary: A book about the pleasures of writing and reading
Comment: This is a beautiful book and I am surprised at the poor reviews here. What a wonderful way with language Saramago has! A book that is, in its very essence, a reflection on language and writing. Its cast of characters include a proofreader, books that have been written, the narrator (is he then the ultimate writer?) and of course we, the readers who, through Saramago's genius, become an intimate part of the novel. And what a brilliant idea that history can be revised by changing the way it is written! Could one perhaps conclude then that the exquisite love affair between the proofreader and the woman at the publishing house is really a love affair between the author and the reader?
Rating: 4
Summary: Prose of a lover; not an academic
Comment: A man no longer needs a woman. He has his work. And he has the prostitutes downtown. He is too old. He is too conservative. He is content to live his life through the books he proofreads.
In a process of professional malpractice he alters history and encounters a love he never expected.
In 'The History of the Seige of Lisbon,' Saramago has created an epic love story. Where many love stories stumble over cliches of plot and word, 'The History' is about the emotions, confusions, and distractions of new love: the angst of imagining our objet with another, the pain of waiting for the phone to ring, and the primal need to distract ourselves from obsessing on our own vices and virtues.
Conventional prose fails to capture these emotions. Saramago give us something else.
Saramago reveals the intimacy of all our relationships --with others, with places, and with history. His description of Lisbon isn't that of a travel guide but of an intimate. His retelling of the crusader's seige of Lisbon shows the patience and care of a father rather than the reserved impartiality of an academic.
Not since Mordecai Richler's 'Barney's Version' have I read such a brilliant story that reveals a love for person, place, and time.
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Title: The Stone Raft by Jose Saramago ISBN: 0156004011 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 14 June, 1996 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by Jose Saramago ISBN: 0156001411 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: September, 1994 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero ISBN: 0156005204 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 05 November, 1998 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis by Jose Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero ISBN: 0156996936 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: April, 1992 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture by Jose Saramago, Amanda Hopkinson, Nick Caistor ISBN: 0156007134 Publisher: Harvest Books Pub. Date: 06 March, 2002 List Price(USD): $17.00 |
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