Raised From The Ground

Raised from the Ground is one of José Saramago’s earliest novels and a powerful depiction of the struggles of Portuguese peasants under...... Read More

Raised from the Ground is one of José Saramago’s earliest novels and a powerful depiction of the struggles of Portuguese peasants under dictatorship and oppression. First published in 1980, the book follows the Mau-Tempo family, spanning several generations as they endure poverty, exploitation, and resistance in Portugal’s rural Alentejo region. Through their experiences, Saramago paints a vivid portrait of the working class and their fight for dignity amid landowner tyranny and political repression.

This novel marks Saramago’s first use of his signature literary style—long, flowing sentences, minimal punctuation, and a poetic, almost dreamlike narrative voice. It is also deeply personal, reflecting his political convictions and his empathy for the underprivileged. The themes of resistance, solidarity, and social justice that would later define much of his work take root in this powerful, semi-historical novel.

Why Read This Book

• Experience the novel that shaped Saramago’s distinctive literary style and worldview.
• A gripping story of resilience and social struggle in 20th-century Portugal.
• Provides historical insight into the lives of Portuguese agricultural workers under authoritarian rule.
• A beautifully written novel that blends realism with poetic and symbolic storytelling.
• Essential reading for fans of Saramago’s later works, offering a foundation for his political and literary themes.

About the Author

José Saramago (1922–2010) was a Portuguese novelist, essayist, and Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1998). Known for his unique writing style and deep philosophical explorations, he is regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the modern era. His works, including Blindness, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, and The Elephant’s Journey, explore themes of power, oppression, and human resilience. Raised from the Ground stands as an early masterpiece that reveals the roots of Saramago’s enduring literary and political vision.