The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1984
Book Brief
370
Novel • Fiction
Lisbon, Portugal • 1930s
1984
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In José Saramago's The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis, Ricardo Reis, a character named after one of Fernando Pessoa's literary alter egos, returns to Lisbon in 1935 after years of exile in Brazil. He meets and converses with Pessoa's ghost while wandering the city, all against the backdrop of rising totalitarianism in Portugal and Europe.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
13,821 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
José Saramago's The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is lauded for its inventive narrative and rich historical context, blending reality and fiction seamlessly. Critics praise its philosophical depth and lyrical prose. However, some find its pacing slow and its introspective style challenging. An intellectually stimulating read that may not appeal to all.
Who Should Read The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis?
Fans of José Saramago's The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis will likely enjoy the intricate narrative style and philosophical themes found in works like Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Italo Calvino's If on a winter's night a traveler. Ideal for readers who appreciate literary fiction with magical realism and existential musings.
13,821 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
370
Novel • Fiction
Lisbon, Portugal • 1930s
1984
Adult
18+ years
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