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redtallis's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
marc129's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice read, at least for the first 300 pages. Saramago's very personal style, with its long meandering sentences and sarcastic remarks and witticisms, here really comes into its own. The book is above all the result of a rich imagination: Saramago reinterprets the Jesus story and fills in some gaps especially about his youth.
That he, as an atheist, presents a very human Jesus does not need to wonder. His focus is on the psychological struggle of the carpenter's son, a struggle first with the guilt of his father Joseph (who had failed to warn residents of Bethlehem for the coming infanticide by Herod), later a struggle with the fact that he appeared to be the son of God and had received a special assignment.
God, moreover, is portrayed very unflattering as a cruel potentate, who is tired of being only the god of a small pastoral people (the Hebrews) and through Jesus wants to reach a much wider audience, even if it means the death of millions of people in the wars and persecutions that will follow. Quite cynical, indeed. Saramago follows this path all the way and even presents the devil as a friendly, humane figure. These reversals of the usual perspective are quite entertaining (Mary is drawn as a stubborn and surly woman), and some of the chapters really are touching (some also rather shocking).
The pivotal scene - Jesus in a boat on the lake together with God and the devil - definitely is a classic, but I think a lot of the critical remarks on religion are rather commonplace. But then, in the end Saramago gets a little stuck and has to give his story a sudden turn to be able to make a point. Apart from this rather disappointing final, I think this is a successful book, especially through Saramago's inimitable style and formidable imagination.
That he, as an atheist, presents a very human Jesus does not need to wonder. His focus is on the psychological struggle of the carpenter's son, a struggle first with the guilt of his father Joseph (who had failed to warn residents of Bethlehem for the coming infanticide by Herod), later a struggle with the fact that he appeared to be the son of God and had received a special assignment.
God, moreover, is portrayed very unflattering as a cruel potentate, who is tired of being only the god of a small pastoral people (the Hebrews) and through Jesus wants to reach a much wider audience, even if it means the death of millions of people in the wars and persecutions that will follow. Quite cynical, indeed. Saramago follows this path all the way and even presents the devil as a friendly, humane figure. These reversals of the usual perspective are quite entertaining (Mary is drawn as a stubborn and surly woman), and some of the chapters really are touching (some also rather shocking).
The pivotal scene - Jesus in a boat on the lake together with God and the devil - definitely is a classic, but I think a lot of the critical remarks on religion are rather commonplace. But then, in the end Saramago gets a little stuck and has to give his story a sudden turn to be able to make a point. Apart from this rather disappointing final, I think this is a successful book, especially through Saramago's inimitable style and formidable imagination.
lostsailor's review against another edition
Θεματολογία, δεν μου κράτησε την προσοχή.
carolantoni's review against another edition
5.0
A cada parágrafo - longo, cheio de vírgulas e apostos - que ia lendo, mais era fisgada pela escrita experimental de Saramago. Neste livro, o autor nos reconta a história mais famosa de todo o ocidente, transformando-a, ao fazê-lo de forma tão crua e aprofundada, numa história totalmente nova.
Só tenho apenas uma recomendação a fazer: leia este livro, seja você cristão ou não.
Pois Saramago não se ocupa apenas da vida de Jesus, apresentada aqui sob um ângulo completamente diferente da história que o Novo Testamento nos oferece, mas de todos os aspectos culturais e históricos da época em que viveu o messias. Mergulhar nesse livro me trouxe muito aprendizado, não apenas sobre a natureza dos homens e mulheres daquela época, mas sobretudo sobre a minha própria.
Só tenho apenas uma recomendação a fazer: leia este livro, seja você cristão ou não.
Pois Saramago não se ocupa apenas da vida de Jesus, apresentada aqui sob um ângulo completamente diferente da história que o Novo Testamento nos oferece, mas de todos os aspectos culturais e históricos da época em que viveu o messias. Mergulhar nesse livro me trouxe muito aprendizado, não apenas sobre a natureza dos homens e mulheres daquela época, mas sobretudo sobre a minha própria.
haorfani's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing!
If you are religious you might find it insulting. However this book discribes the story of Jesus Christ from a more human perspective. Some events are changed of course and I think that Jose Saramago is trying to pass some messages through this. I am not sure I understood everything though.
SPOILER ALERT BELLOW
The best part of the book is when God, Devil, and Jesus are in a boat and they discuss. It have never occured to me that a part of literature can be so awesome. This part is creating so intense images and feelings that makes you believe your are there, in front of the characters and you observe the discussion!
Tottally recomend this book to anyone! This book is astonishing!
If you are religious you might find it insulting. However this book discribes the story of Jesus Christ from a more human perspective. Some events are changed of course and I think that Jose Saramago is trying to pass some messages through this. I am not sure I understood everything though.
SPOILER ALERT BELLOW
The best part of the book is when God, Devil, and Jesus are in a boat and they discuss. It have never occured to me that a part of literature can be so awesome. This part is creating so intense images and feelings that makes you believe your are there, in front of the characters and you observe the discussion!
Tottally recomend this book to anyone! This book is astonishing!
zubers's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
michi_mar213's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0