Blindness (Book Review)
Paperback – October 4, 1999 by José Saramago
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“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” ― Harper Lee
"Blindness" by José Saramago is a gripping novel that explores the depths of human fragility, compassion, and cruelty under the strain of unimaginable adversity. The story begins when an unexplained epidemic of blindness sweeps through an unnamed city, sparing only a few individuals. As the blindness spreads unchecked, society quickly crumbles into chaos, leading to the breakdown of social order and the rise of tyranny among the blind.
The novel's protagonist is the wife of an ophthalmologist, who is among the first to be struck by the sudden blindness. She remains inexplicably immune but pretends to be blind in order to accompany her husband when he is quarantined along with other affected individuals. The quarantine facility, poorly managed and undersupplied, soon turns into a nightmarish scene where the worst aspects of human nature come to the fore.
Saramago's narrative focuses heavily on the social and psychological impact of the blindness. Without their sight, the characters are forced to rely on other senses and instincts, which leads to a raw and often disturbing depiction of human behavior. The blind are subjected to horrible living conditions, and as their basic needs become increasingly difficult to meet, they resort to violence and manipulation to survive.
The doctor's wife, who can see but keeps her sight a secret, becomes a guide and protector of a small group of internees. Her character is a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating the potential for altruism and leadership in the face of adversity. She helps the group navigate the challenges of their new reality, from securing food to maintaining their dignity in the most trying circumstances.
"Blindness" serves as a powerful allegory for the fragility of civilization and the thin veneer that separates orderly society from chaos. Saramago uses a writing style that is dense and poetic, with long, flowing sentences and paragraphs often extending over multiple pages. His use of dialogue without quotations or character names lends an intense, dreamlike quality to the narrative, pulling the reader deeply into the visceral experiences of the characters.
Themes of isolation and the human capacity for both evil and good are prevalent throughout the book. Saramago challenges the reader to consider what happens when the structures that support our social and moral codes are stripped away. The novel is not only a story about blindness but also a metaphor for the ways in which we are blinded by our own prejudices, and how we might find clarity in truth and acts of simple humanity.
Ultimately, "Blindness" is a profound commentary on the human condition, exploring how quickly our constructed world can unravel and what it might take to rebuild it. It is a challenging, thought-provoking book that stays with the reader long after the final page, urging a reflection on our vulnerabilities and the importance of compassion and solidarity.
Interested in the book? Buy on Amazon