Seeing

Seeing (Ensaio sobre a cegueira), written by Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago, is a thought-provoking and allegorical novel that explores the fragility of human society. Set in an unnamed city, the story begins when a sudden and inexplicable blindness strikes a significant portion of the population. Soon, the entire city is overwhelmed by this epidemic of "white blindness," which spreads rapidly and causes widespread panic, societal collapse, and government neglect.

The narrative follows a group of individuals who are among the few unaffected by the blindness, and they become witnesses to the breakdown of social order. As society deteriorates, the survivors struggle to navigate a world turned chaotic and morally bereft. The novel is an exploration of human nature in crisis, grappling with the consequences of losing not just physical sight, but also the moral vision that holds society together.

In Seeing, Saramago critiques the breakdown of human empathy, power, and responsibility, offering a chilling meditation on social decay and human survival.

Why Read This Book

• Explore Saramago’s unique take on societal collapse and the loss of moral direction.
• A gripping and thought-provoking allegory about the nature of power, human fragility, and societal dependence.
• Saramago’s use of his signature long sentences and minimal punctuation creates a tense, immersive narrative that draws readers deeply into the story.
• A timeless exploration of the dangers of dehumanization and the importance of community and empathy.
• Perfect for readers who enjoy philosophical and dystopian literature with social commentary.

About the Author

José Saramago (1922–2010) was a Portuguese novelist, essayist, and poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998. His literary works often feature profound social commentary and philosophical inquiry, examining themes of human existence, power structures, and the nature of reality. His most famous works, such as Blindness, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, and The Elephant’s Journey, explore these topics through inventive storytelling, combining dark humor with intellectual rigor. Saramago’s distinctive writing style, marked by long, flowing sentences and minimal punctuation, has made him one of the most celebrated and influential writers of the 20th century.