The History of the Siege of Lisbon is a novel that follows the story of Raimundo Silva, a proofreader who impulsively changes a single word in a historical text, altering the course of history. The book interweaves the alternative history created by this change with a love story and explores the themes of rewriting the past, the power of language, and the transformative nature of love. The writing style is described as wordy and challenging, with long, swirling sentences that require careful attention but offer a unique and rewarding reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Raimundo portraying an introspective proofreader and Maria Sara representing a muse who encourages creative exploration.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by flowing, complex sentences and a lack of punctuation, demanding careful attention from the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a proofreader who alters a historical document, prompting an exploration of alternative histories while simultaneously developing a contemporary love story.

Setting:

The setting spans both contemporary Lisbon and the historical backdrop of the siege, creating a rich tapestry of time and place.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and deliberate, reflecting the narrative's complexity, which may challenge some readers.

THE PROOF-READER HAS a name, he is called Raimundo. It is time that we should know the person about whom we have been talking indiscreetly, if name and surnames could ever add anything useful to the n...

Notes:

Raimundo Silva is a proofreader in Lisbon who accidentally changes a key historical statement by inserting the word 'not'.

This small change suggests that the Crusaders did not help the Portuguese during the siege of Lisbon in 1147.

The novel explores themes of historical truth and how history can be altered by a single word.

Raimundo's edit leads him to develop an alternative history where he must explore what could have happened without the Crusaders.

The book intertwines the historical narrative of the siege and the present-day life of Raimundo, creating a connection between past and present.

Raimundo falls in love with his new boss, Maria Sara, who encourages him to finish his alternative history.

Saramago's writing style is characterized by long sentences and minimal punctuation, which challenges readers to engage deeply with the text.

The story raises questions about the nature of reality and fiction, complicating traditional understandings of historical narratives.

The love story between Raimundo and Maria parallels the historical events, blurring the lines between personal and collective history.

The novel is infamous for its challenging prose, which may be difficult but rewarding for attentive readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of war, historical violence, and reflections on life and death.

Has Romance?

The romance between Raimundo Silva and Maria Sara is significant but interwoven with historical and philosophical discussions.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

In this "ingenious" novel (New York Times) by "one of Europe's most original and remarkable writers" (Los Angeles Times), a proofreader's deliberate slip opens the door to romance-and confounds the facts of Portugal's past. Translated by Giovanni Pontiero.

What can you read after
The History of the Siege of Lisbon?

See the list (26 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

The History of the Siege of Lisbon

Jose Saramago, Giovanni Pontiero

Characters:

Writing/Prose:

Plot/Storyline:

Setting:

Pacing:

Genres:

Tropes/Plot Devices:

Topics:

Notes:

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Has Romance?

From The Publisher:

What can you read after The History of the Siege of Lisbon?

Jose Saramago,
Giovanni Pontiero

What can you read after
The History of the Siege of Lisbon?