Ensayo sobre la ceguera : Book Review

"Ensayo sobre la ceguera" by José Saramago is a truly thought-provoking and gripping novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a world devastated by an epidemic of blindness. In this powerful book, Saramago masterfully explores the collapse of society when people lose their sight, revealing the delicate nature of humanity and the darkness that resides within us all.

What sets "Ensayo sobre la ceguera" apart is Saramago's unique and captivating writing style. Through his use of minimal punctuation and long, flowing sentences, he creates a sense of chaos and urgency that perfectly mirrors the tumultuous blind society portrayed in the story. This style pulls readers in from the very first page, making it impossible to put the book down.

The novel's exploration of human nature in extreme circumstances is one of its most remarkable aspects. As the blind characters struggle to survive in a world without sight, Saramago delves into the depths of human behavior, exposing both the best and worst aspects of humanity. Themes of compassion, greed, power, and the struggle to hold onto one's morality in the face of adversity are all skillfully examined through Saramago's characters, leaving readers with a profound reflection on their own values and what it means to be human.

Saramago's detailed descriptions bring the dystopian world of "Ensayo sobre la ceguera" to life. From the desolation and despair of the quarantine area to the all-encompassing darkness experienced by the blind characters, the atmosphere created is haunting and evocative. Readers will be fully immersed in this harrowing world, feeling the emotions and experiences of the characters as if they were their own.

Overall, "Ensayo sobre la ceguera" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that pushes readers to question their own humanity. Through its exploration of societal collapse and the complexities of human nature, Saramago challenges us to reflect on our values and how we would behave in the face of similar circumstances. It is a book that will leave a lasting impact and serve as a reminder of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.

What are readers saying?

José Saramago's novel "Ensayo sobre la ceguera," translated as "Blindness," has evoked a diverse range of reactions from readers. The story delves into the terrifying concept of a city ravaged by an epidemic of blindness, and the subsequent disintegration of society.

Some readers praised Saramago's writing style as thought-provoking and poetic. They commended his use of long, flowing sentences and omission of quotation marks, noting that it created a unique narrative flow. These readers were engrossed by the author's skill in capturing the atmosphere of chaos and despair that emerges with the gradual loss of sight. They found the book's profound philosophical questions and exploration of human nature to be highly impactful.

However, others had contrasting experiences with the book. Some readers found Saramago's writing style, particularly his affinity for lengthy paragraphs and minimal punctuation, to be bewildering and difficult to follow. They struggled to connect with the characters and felt that the author's verbose approach hindered their engagement with the story. These readers were disappointed by the book's slow pace and perceived lack of action.

Another common critique centered around the absence of character development. Some readers felt that the characters remained one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it challenging for them to form a strong emotional connection. Additionally, a few readers were unsettled by certain scenes in the novel, particularly those depicting graphic violence and abuse, deeming them unnecessary.

Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, many readers found themselves captivated by the underlying themes of the book. They appreciated Saramago's exploration of society's fragility and the moral complexities surrounding power and survival. The novel's social commentary and allegorical nature were praised for offering readers a thought-provoking and introspective reading experience.

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