Baltasar and Blimunda
Baltasar and Blimunda
Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Portugal • 18th Century
1982
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Baltasar and Blimunda by José Saramago follows the love story of Baltasar, a former soldier with one hand, and Blimunda, a woman with supernatural abilities, set against the backdrop of the construction of the Convent of Mafra in 18th century Portugal. They assist Padre Bartolomeu de Gusmão with his flying machine, the Passarola, encountering historical figures and existential struggles.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Fantastical
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
24,111 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
José Saramago’s Baltasar and Blimunda intertwines historical fiction with magical realism, showcasing his distinctive narrative style. Critics praise the poetic language and intricate storytelling. However, some find the pacing slow and the prose dense. The novel's imaginative depth and complex characters offer a richly rewarding, though sometimes challenging, read.
Who Should Read Baltasar and Blimunda?
Readers who enjoy surreal historical narratives, rich in allegory and magical realism, similar to Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude, will appreciate José Saramago's Baltasar and Blimunda. The book’s blend of historical and fantastical elements appeals to those interested in thought-provoking, unconventional storytelling.
24,111 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Baltasar and Blimunda is a novel by the Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago, who was known for his distinctive storytelling style that often includes long, flowing sentences and a lack of conventional punctuation.
The novel is set in 18th-century Portugal during the construction of the real-life Mafra Palace, a location known for its magnificent baroque architecture.
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José Saramago incorporated elements of magical realism in Baltasar and Blimunda, a narrative technique where magical elements are a natural part of an otherwise mundane world, which is a hallmark of his writing style.
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368
Novel • Fiction
Portugal • 18th Century
1982
Adult
18+ years
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