Reviews

Raised from the Ground by José Saramago, Margaret Jull Costa

urbino's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

bdy_sntchrs's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

5.0

festevao's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

sebasnbarata's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

eumesmo's review against another edition

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funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

fred312's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

mariuscalin's review against another edition

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4.0

José Saramago's "Raised From the Ground" stands as a poignant testament to the enduring spirit of the Portuguese peasantry, their struggles, and their unwavering connection to the land. Through the lives of the Mau-Tempo (translated as Bad-Weather) family, Saramago paints a vivid portrait of rural Portugal, capturing the harsh realities of their existence while also celebrating their resilience and the deep-rooted bonds that connect them.
The novel follows the Mau-Tempo family over several generations, tracing their journey from impoverished sharecroppers to landless laborers caught in the throes of political and social upheaval. Saramago's prose is masterful, weaving together historical events with the intimate lives of his characters, creating a narrative that is both sweeping and deeply personal.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Saramago's use of humor. Despite the often bleak circumstances of the Mau-Tempos' lives, Saramago finds moments of lightheartedness and absurdity, often through the characters' own observations and interactions. This humor serves not to diminish the hardships they face but rather to highlight their humanity and their ability to find joy even in the darkest of times.
Another strength of the novel lies in Saramago's character development. The Mau-Tempos are not mere caricatures of impoverished peasants; they are complex individuals with their own dreams, flaws, and desires. Saramago's descriptions of their relationships, particularly between men and women, are particularly poignant, capturing the unspoken tensions and deep affection that bind them together.
"Raised From the Ground" is a novel that lingers long after the final page is turned. It is a story about the power of the human spirit, the enduring strength of family bonds, and the unbreakable connection between humanity and the land. Saramago's masterful storytelling and his profound understanding of the human condition make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a glimpse into the heart of Portugal and the lives of its people.

matildasamagaio's review against another edition

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5.0

O amor transmitido no âmbito das relações familiares transcritas neste romance tornam a sua leitura uma experiência tremendamente emocional. Faz-nos refletir acerca da efemeridade da vida e das nossas fugazes reações perante as vicissitudes com as quais nos deparamos. Para mim, foi o capítulo do parto de Gracinda Mau-Tempo: tornou uma labuta numa obra quase que poética. Este livro tocou-me grandemente e estarei a mentir se não se deram alturas de espetacular comoção - algo que, não obstante, não é incomum no meu caso.
A perseverança de Faustina, a coragem de João e de António - essas, ficarão sempre no meu coração enquanto me relembrar da leitura deste lindo livro.

thebookthiefgirl's review against another edition

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5.0

Acerca desse livro,Saramago disse “Um escritor é um homem como os outros:sonha.E o meu sonho foi o de poder dizer deste livro quando o terminasse :”Isto é o Alentejo.” “

•A história passa-se sensivelmente num dos períodos mais conturbados e instáveis da história de Portugal, entre a instauração da República e os anos imediatos ao 25 de Abril.A província alentejana de Monte Lavre serve de palco a ambientes caóticos,de opressão social e miséria extrema.Ideais comunistas e greves acometem nas cabeças dos pobres homens e suas família que,para se levantarem do chão e da opressão sob a guarda, o latifúndio e o governo ,tiveram que lutar e mostrar provas de resilência.Porque “ às vezes a gente começa a lutar por uma coisa e acaba por ganhar outra, e esta é que era a melhor das duas”. Perdas incalculáveis, conflitos, amores e fomes não chegam para resumir este livro.Brilhante e irónico.Como só Saramago consegue fazer. •

scabral's review against another edition

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4.0

A luta social, a contestação, as imensas desigualdades…luta obstinada e de muitos sacrifícios, feita sobre um ambiente de miséria rural em pleno Alentejo profundo....é duro, mas vale mesmo a pena ler.

Sobre esta obra escreveu Saramago:
"Um escritor é um homem como os outros: sonha. E o meu sonho foi o de poder dizer deste livro, quando terminasse: Isto é um livro sobre o Alentejo."