Books Like...
"Baltasar and Blimunda" by Jose Saramago is a historical novel set in early 18th century Portugal during the reign of King John V. The story revolves around the King's vow to build a convent for the Dominican Order after the birth of his daughter Maria Barbara, who briefly becomes the heir to the throne. The novel delves into the hardships faced by the workers during the construction of the Convent of Mafra, showcasing the social injustices and religious cynicism prevalent during that era. The narrative follows the unconventional love story between Baltasar, a former soldier, and Blimunda, a woman with a unique ability, as they become entangled in the quest of a priest to build a flying machine, set against the backdrop of the auto de fe and religious absolutism.
Saramago's writing style in "Baltasar and Blimunda" is characterized by long, meandering sentences that provide a sense of unreality and strangeness to the narrative. The novel features elements of magical realism, offering a unique perspective on historical events and societal norms. Through his intricate storytelling, Saramago explores themes of love, religion, society, and dreams, weaving together a tapestry of characters and events that captivate readers with its wisdom, humor, and poetic prose.
If you liked Baltasar and Blimunda, here are the top 30 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Once upon a time there was a king who promised to build a convent in Mafra. Once upon a time there were people who built this convent. There was once a one-armed soldier and a woman who had powers.
Once upon a time there was a priest who wanted to fl
... The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by Jose Saramago is a thought-provoking and darkly humorous retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, blending elements from the canonical gospels with the author's imaginative narrative. Saramago's writing style is characterized by a mix of satire, sarcasm, and wit, challenging traditional views on religion and exploring theological questions with a unique and captivating approach.
The book delves into the early life of Jesus, his transition into adulthood, and his eventual acceptance of his divine mission despite his doubts and struggles. Through inventive storytelling and clever reinterpretations of biblical events, Saramago crafts a narrative that questions the nature of God, humanity, and the complexities of faith, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar tale.
The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is a novel that delves into the life of Ricardo Reis, a poet doctor who returns to Portugal from Brazil in 1936, amidst a backdrop of political unrest and fascism spreading across Europe. The book explores the complex relationship between Ricardo Reis and his creator, Fernando Pessoa, who communicates with him as a ghostly presence. Through a blend of historical, literary, and philosophical references, the novel navigates themes of poetry, death, politics, and the blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality. Saramago's writing style in this book is described as beautifully written but not immediately accessible, with a unique narrative that weaves together multiple layers of storytelling.
Here the sea ends and the earth begins. It is raining over the colorless city. The waters of the river are polluted with mud, the riverbanks flooded. A dark vessel, the Highland Brigade, ascends the s...- #4
Save:Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira by Jose Saramago is a gripping tale that unfolds a narrative where a sudden epidemic of blindness triggers societal chaos. The book centers around a city where everyone, except one individual, succumbs to blindness. The writing style is raw and visceral at some points, making readers question the human nature and whether we are inherently selfish and merciless as human beings. The author's mastery of the Portuguese language is evident, with every moment of his writing filled with brutality yet also characterized by Portuguese dry humor.
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.
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...- #6
Save:An unflinching portrait of a priest who seduces his landlady's daughter, made into an acclaimed and controversial motion picture. Eça de Queirós's novel The Crime of Father Amaro is a lurid satire of clerical corruption in a town in Portugal (Leir
... - #7
Save:In 'Death with Interruptions', Jose Saramago presents an imagined scenario where death goes on strike, leading to social chaos in an unspecified year and country. The plot revolves around Death resuming her work with a new twist of sending advance notification letters, introducing philosophical reflections on life and death. The writing style combines dark humor, satire, and political commentary, with long, convoluted sentences creating a unique reading experience.
Although it had immediately been ridiculed by rival newspapers, which had managed to draw on the inspiration of their principal writers for the most diverse and meaty of headlines, some dramatic, some... - #8
Save:'Auto-da-Fe' by Elias Canetti is a novel that delves into the life of Dr. Peter Kien, a reclusive sinologist whose world revolves around his vast library of books. The storyline follows Kien's peculiar marriage to his housekeeper, Therese, and the subsequent unraveling of his life as he is forced out of his comfort zone and into the chaotic real world. The writing style is described as dense, imaginative, and surreal, drawing comparisons to authors like Franz Kafka and Bertolt Brecht. The characters in the book are portrayed as unsympathetic yet intriguing, exploring human desires and convoluted motivations for their actions.
CHAPTER I THE MORNING WALK 'What are you doing here, my little man?' 'Nothing.' 'Then why are you standing here?' 'Just because.' 'Can you read?' 'Oh, yes.' 'How old are you?' 'Nine and a bit.' 'Which... - #9
Save:The Stone Raft by Jose Saramago is a surreal novel where the Iberian Peninsula breaks free from the European continent and starts floating across the Atlantic, leading to panic and intrigue. The story follows a group of strangers brought together by peculiar circumstances as they travel through Portugal and Spain, exploring human reactions and motivations in the face of this inexplicable event. Saramago's writing style is characterized by long, rambling sentences broken by occasional commas, focusing on the personal and global consequences of the upheaval, all while maintaining a sense of humor and deep understanding of human nature.
- #10
Save:'The High Mountains of Portugal' by Yann Martel is divided into three parts, each telling a separate but loosely connected story of loss, grief, and faith. The stories are set in different time periods - early 20th century Lisbon, 1938 involving a pathologist, and modern-day Canada. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and connection, with a touch of magical realism. The writing style is described as light, charming, humorous, and lyrical, with a focus on human emotion intertwined with fantastic elements.
From his modest flat on Rua São Miguel in the ill-famed Alfama district to his uncle’s stately estate in leafy Lapa, it is a good walk across much of Lisbon. It will likely take him an hour. But the m...
