Blindness

by José Saramago, Jose Saramago
Blindness cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1160
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9780605019935
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In José Saramago's chilling novel, an unexplained epidemic of blindness sweeps through an unnamed city, plunging society into chaos. As the government quarantines the afflicted in an abandoned asylum, a woman who miraculously retains her sight must navigate the brutal realities of a world where morality has collapsed. The novel explores themes of human resilience, the fragility of civilization, and the thin line between order and anarchy. /n/n Saramago's distinctive narrative style, characterized by long, unbroken sentences and a lack of traditional punctuation, creates an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The story is a profound meditation on the nature of sight and blindness, both literal and metaphorical, and a stark warning about the consequences of societal breakdown.

Reviews
At Boundary's Edge · 2023-03-02
engaging 4.50

The reviewer praises the novel's premise and its exploration of societal collapse. They find the story gripping and the characters' struggles poignant.

The reviewer at At Boundary's Edge is quite positive about 'Blindness'. They find the premise of an epidemic of blindness both unique and gripping. The reviewer appreciates how the novel delves into the fragility of civilization and the human condition. They highlight the poignant struggles of the characters and the stark portrayal of societal collapse. Overall, they find the book a powerful and unforgettable read that stays with you long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    When a man suddenly loses his vision, it causes an accident. But when this blindness spreads through the population, it threatens everything civilization stands for.

    The novel delves into the fragility of civilization and the human condition.

    The struggles of the characters are poignant and the portrayal of societal collapse is stark.

Classics Considered · 2021-03-02
thought-provoking 3.00

The reviewer criticizes Saramago's assumption of readers' lack of imagination. They find the book thought-provoking but also challenging due to its heavy-handed approach.

The reviewer at Classics Considered has a somewhat critical take on 'Blindness'. They feel that Saramago underestimates his readers' imagination, which makes the reading experience a bit heavy-handed. However, they also acknowledge the book's thought-provoking nature. The reviewer points out that the novel's exploration of societal collapse and human nature is compelling, but the delivery sometimes feels overly didactic. Overall, they appreciate the depth of the themes but wish the storytelling was more subtle.

Quick quotes

    Saramago seems to think his readers have very little imagination.

    The book is thought-provoking but also challenging due to its heavy-handed approach.

    The novel's exploration of societal collapse and human nature is compelling.

Tony's Reading List · 2013-06-13
praise 4.50

The book is praised for its great premise and unique exploration of blindness. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, with a compelling narrative.

This reviewer highly recommends the book for its unique premise and engaging narrative. They appreciate the unusual type of blindness depicted and the way it drives the story forward. The book is seen as a great exploration of an unprecedented epidemic and its consequences, making it a compelling read. The reviewer finds the story thought-provoking and believes it offers a fresh perspective on human behavior and societal structures.

Quick quotes

    It's a great premise and a great book, the story of an unprecedented epidemic and its consequences.

    Even the type of blindness is unusual.

    The book offers a fresh perspective on human behavior and societal structures.

The Guardian · 2006-04-14
frightening 3.50

The reviewer finds the book frightening and impactful. They struggled to finish it due to its intense and unsettling nature.

The Guardian's reviewer describes 'Blindness' as a frightening and impactful novel. They admit to struggling to finish it because of its intense and unsettling nature. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of human nature under extreme conditions but finds it emotionally draining. They highlight the novel's ability to evoke strong emotions and its unflinching look at the darker aspects of humanity. Despite the difficulty, they acknowledge the book's power and its ability to leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Blindness is a frightening book.

    I was scared and had to quit reading because of its intense nature.

    The novel's unflinching look at the darker aspects of humanity is both impactful and emotionally draining.

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