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A review by mariuscalin
Ridicat de la pământ by José Saramago
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.
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.