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bogeszmogesz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tlee1995's review against another edition
4.0
If you are looking for a mind-trip through the most difficult questions that confront Christian philosophy, you will find it within these pages. If you seek a twist on the West's most recognizable tale, Saramago provides a gripping -- and for Christians, controversial -- account. If only for its unexpected humor and humanity, some readers will prefer Saramago's tale of Jesus of Nazareth to the classic versions.
The characteristic of this book that most struck me is encapsulated by the adjective "cinematic." There are points in this novel where the scene is so vivid that the reader is reminded of a Cohen brothers film. One particular sequence near the end is as chilling and unique as a Stanley Kubrick collage.
From an expressed 20th century perspective, Saramago examines the nearly rote implications of the 33 years that proved to be the West's most consequential. He does this with masterful style and an enthralling understanding of the human condition, from which Jesus of Nazareth has long been considered exempt. To wrap my head around the philosophical side of this novel will take a reread, but I have been both entertained and educated by Saramago's work.
"...let us hope these prosaic details do not offend our readers, because the story of God is not all divine."
The characteristic of this book that most struck me is encapsulated by the adjective "cinematic." There are points in this novel where the scene is so vivid that the reader is reminded of a Cohen brothers film. One particular sequence near the end is as chilling and unique as a Stanley Kubrick collage.
From an expressed 20th century perspective, Saramago examines the nearly rote implications of the 33 years that proved to be the West's most consequential. He does this with masterful style and an enthralling understanding of the human condition, from which Jesus of Nazareth has long been considered exempt. To wrap my head around the philosophical side of this novel will take a reread, but I have been both entertained and educated by Saramago's work.
"...let us hope these prosaic details do not offend our readers, because the story of God is not all divine."
luisatkinson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Murder, Animal cruelty, and War
dariuskay's review against another edition
3.0
Peculiarly not compelling. Probably the best section is about Joseph. But it never really becomes clear why this was written. He’s a good writer, but this was an eye roll for me.
hsof_iafreitas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
diegoo21's review against another edition
4.0
Realmente una buena lectura. José Saramago es valiente y creativo al reescribir los evangelios canónicos desde otro punto de vista más realista, con un Jesús más humano (y humanista) y un Dios Padre antagónico. Los de mentes cerradas se sentirán ofendidos, pero los demás apreciarán un libro que no deja pasar 5 páginas sin invitar a la meditación.
vitoria24's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
erboe501's review against another edition
4.0
I bought this book at a bookstore in Portugal because I wanted something to remember the place by. Saramago is one of Portugal's most famous writers, and I thought this satirical retelling of Jesus's life sounded intriguing. While it took a bit to get used to the very long sentences and tone, I ended up pretty absorbed in the story. It was sort of fun to see how Saramago reinterpreted certain events from the gospels to make them less grand and miraculous. Jesus is just a guy trying to figure out what God (and the devil) want from him. Saramago also shows how silenced women were at the time. And Joseph comes out very unfavorably as a character.