logo

102 pages 3 hours read

José Saramago

Blindness

José SaramagoFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
José Saramago

Blindness

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unnamed city • Contemporary

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Blindness by José Saramago follows the rapid spread and societal impact of a mysterious epidemic causing sudden, total blindness. As the "white sickness" forces the afflicted into a chaotic, dehumanizing quarantine, a sighted woman conceals her immunity to accompany her husband. Amid collapsing social norms and escalating brutality, survivors struggle for dignity and hope. Sensitive topics such as sexual violence and societal breakdown are presented.

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

306,398 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

José Saramago’s Blindness captivates with its stark exploration of humanity in crisis. Reviewers praise its poignant narrative and unique writing style, though some find the prose challenging. Its philosophical depth and compelling plot engage readers, but the bleakness may deter some. Overall, it is both haunting and thought-provoking, resonating deeply with many.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Blindness ?

Readers who relish dystopian narratives with profound social and philosophical underpinnings will appreciate José Saramago's Blindness. Similar to George Orwell's 1984 and Albert Camus's The Plague, it appeals to those interested in human nature, societal collapse, and ethical dilemmas amidst chaos.

4.2

306,398 ratings

80%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Unnamed city • Contemporary

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.