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Blindness

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Blindness

By: José Saramago
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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About this listen

A city is hit by a sudden and strange epidemic of "white blindness", which spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there social conventions quickly crumble and the struggle for survival brings out the worst in people.

There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides seven strangers -among them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tears - out of their prison and through the barren streets, and the procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing.

A magnificent parable of loss and disorientation and a vivid evocation of the horrors of the 20th century, by Nobel Prize-winning author Jose Saramago, Blindness has swept the masses with its powerful portrayal of man's worst appetites and weaknesses - and man's ultimately exhilarating spirit.

English translation by Juan Sager.

©1997 Juan Sager (English translation); 1995 Jose Saramago and Editorial Caminho (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America Crime Fiction Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Medical Psychological Science Fiction Thriller & Suspense Scary Exciting Crime Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant
Great book to provoke a discussion. I really wanted to keep discussing this with friends and family.

Discussion

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A terrifying insight into how humanity reacts when a nation is struck blind - part malice and part indifference says the author. Felt like I had taken a ride around the 7 circles of hell after reading this epic novel

Terrifying but gripping

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It is an intriguing book, but I was disappointed with the ending. I feel left “hanging in the air”

Intriguing

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Though this book is now 25 years old, I read it for the first time in August 2020 having survived the Covid-19 virus (a coincidence). Blindness is a good story with a good deal to teach us and remind us. I didn’t like the negative aspects of the story - of which there are many - but I am sure people held in the Houston Astrodome after Hurricane Katrina didn’t enjoy their experience much either (there are parallels). Nor do I think people being constrained to infected Russian hospitals are having a great time either. On balance, it’s a book worth reading.

A timely reminder

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Absolutely loved this title. What an incredible tale that takes you on a real rollercoaster. A tale on the good side and animalistic side to Human nature.

Brilliant

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