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The Double

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Tertuliano Máximo Afonso, a history teacher, discovers a bit actor who looks exactly like him in a film, leading to an inner turmoil and behavioral shift with unintended consequences. The story delves into the confusion of identities and the existential dilemma of being replaced or being replaceable, all narrated in a unique style with un-punctuated sentences and a stream-of-consciousness approach.

Characters:

The primary characters are complex and relatable, with the protagonist Afonso being introspective and self-absorbed, while his double and girlfriend provide contrasting perspectives.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is unique, involving long sentences and a blend of narration with philosophical insights, creating an engaging but demanding reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The novel features a history teacher's obsession with his double, exploring complex themes such as identity and the consequences of discovering one’s doppelgänger.

Setting:

The contemporary setting enhances the exploration of everyday themes, relating to identity and self-perception.

Pacing:

The novel has a slow pacing initially, which builds tension, culminating in a faster and more engaging conclusion.

Notes:

The protagonist, Tertuliano Maximo Afonso, is a mild-mannered history teacher who discovers his exact double in a video.
The book explores deep themes of identity, obsession, and the concept of self-doubt.
Saramago's writing style is characterized by long, run-on sentences and minimal punctuation, providing a unique reading experience.
The relationship between Afonso and his double escalates and leads to unexpected consequences, showcasing the complexities of human identity.
Common Sense is personified in the story, serving as a humorous guide for Afonso's decisions.
The novel is rich with authorial asides, making the narrator an active participant in the story.
The story ultimately questions what it means to be unique and how identity can be challenged by the existence of a double.
The book's themes resonate with philosophical inquiries about human nature and societal roles.
A film adaptation, titled 'Enemy,' was made, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which diverges from the novel's plot but maintains its essence.
Saramago, a Nobel Prize winner, often interweaves social and religious commentary into his narratives, reflecting his critical views on society.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The Double includes themes of existential dread, identity crises, and psychological distress which may be challenging for some readers.

From The Publisher:

The inspiration for the major motion picture "Enemy" starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Denis Villeneuve

Tertuliano Máximo Afonso is a divorced, depressed history teacher. To lift his spirits, a colleague suggests he rent a certain video. Tertuliano watches the film, unimpressed. But during the night, when he is awakened by noises in his apartment, he goes into the living room to find that the VCR is replaying the video. He watches in astonishment as a man who looks exactly like him-or, more specifically, exactly like he did five years before, mustachioed and fuller in the face-appears on the screen. He sleeps badly. Against his better judgment, Tertuliano decides to pursue his double. As he roots out the man's identity, what begins as a whimsical story becomes a "wonderfully twisted meditation on identity and individuality" (The Boston Globe). Saramago displays his remarkable talent in this haunting tale of appearance versus reality.

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (8)

About the Author:

JOSÉ SARAMAGO (1922-2010) was the author of many novels, among them Blindness, All the Names, Baltasar and Blimunda, and The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis. In 1998 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.MARGARET JULL COSTA has established herself as the premier translator of Portuguese literature into English today.

 
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