Take a photo of a barcode or cover
joaovaz 's review for:
Memorial do Convento
by José Saramago
This piece of literature was not at all what I was expecting. Memorial do Convento is a portuguese classic based on the construction of a memorable portuguese monument, Convento de Mafra. It also tells the love story of Baltasar and Blimunda.
Let's start with the writing and structure. It's very different from everything I have read. Saramago writes long paragraphs with very little periods, a lot of commas and the dialogue starts with a capital letter right after a comma. It's not at all the "normal" but as I read through the book, it became less annoying; it takes a little bit of effort to get used to.
However, the story makes up for it. The intricate life of the royalty and their ignorance towards the common people is so well exposed. The author uses his satiric and harsh comments to criticize this, as well as other subjects such as the abuse of the poor for the benefit of the rich, the sinful life that the clergy leads and the corrupt, presumptuous and naive nation that is Portugal.
The most compelling and captivating part of the this romance is the love story. Baltasar and Blimunda complete each other in a perfect way and their journey is incredibly put together throughout the whole book. Both amazing characters; both with qualities that help the other; this couple is Saramago at his best.
Don't be tempted to skip this book for it is an essential read and a masterpiece of this great portuguese author. A deep love story combined with a historical view of the 18th century makes this an immersive read in which you will fall in love. From the actual story to the narrator's thoughts, Saramago created a praiseworthy tale of the reign of King D. João V whilst keeping it interesting.
Let's start with the writing and structure. It's very different from everything I have read. Saramago writes long paragraphs with very little periods, a lot of commas and the dialogue starts with a capital letter right after a comma. It's not at all the "normal" but as I read through the book, it became less annoying; it takes a little bit of effort to get used to.
However, the story makes up for it. The intricate life of the royalty and their ignorance towards the common people is so well exposed. The author uses his satiric and harsh comments to criticize this, as well as other subjects such as the abuse of the poor for the benefit of the rich, the sinful life that the clergy leads and the corrupt, presumptuous and naive nation that is Portugal.
The most compelling and captivating part of the this romance is the love story. Baltasar and Blimunda complete each other in a perfect way and their journey is incredibly put together throughout the whole book. Both amazing characters; both with qualities that help the other; this couple is Saramago at his best.
Don't be tempted to skip this book for it is an essential read and a masterpiece of this great portuguese author. A deep love story combined with a historical view of the 18th century makes this an immersive read in which you will fall in love. From the actual story to the narrator's thoughts, Saramago created a praiseworthy tale of the reign of King D. João V whilst keeping it interesting.