About the Author
José Saramago
ISBN 9780099573586
Rs. 1,120
Vintage
Blindness
Who it's for: Readers of literary fiction and dystopian novels who enjoy psychological and philosophical depth.
In a city plagued by a sudden and mysterious epidemic, people begin to lose their sight one by one. What starts with a single driver struck blind at a traffic light quickly spirals into chaos, as the contagion spreads without mercy. The government, desperate and unprepared, confines the afflicted to a mental asylum, but the collapse of order inside and outside its walls reveals the fragile nature of civilisation. When the asylum burns, the last semblances of structured society disintegrate into a haunting, lawless world. Why You Should Read? A Gripping Premise: A unique take on dystopia where blindness, not war or disaster, unravels society. Psychological Depth: Explores the human psyche under extreme isolation, fear, and desperation. Social Commentary: Offers a thought-provoking critique of authority, morality, and the fragility of civilisation. Unforgettable Atmosphere: Immerses readers in a chilling, visceral experience of confusion and survival. Literary Acclaim: Written by one of Europe’s greatest storytellers, blending suspense with philosophical insight. This is not anarchy, this is blindness.
Highlights
- Explores the collapse of civilization when a mysterious blindness epidemic strikes.
- Follows the afflicted as they are confined to a mental asylum and face chaos.
- Offers a psychological and philosophical examination of human nature under crisis.
- A dystopian allegory critiquing authority, morality, and social order.
- Written by Nobel laureate José Saramago, translated by Giovanni Pontiero.
Themes
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All by José Saramago →Questions about this book
What is the book about?
It's about a city hit by a sudden epidemic of blindness. The government confines the blind to a mental asylum, but chaos erupts inside and outside, leading to the breakdown of society.
Who is the author?
The author is José Saramago, a Nobel Prize-winning Portuguese writer. The English translation is by Giovanni Pontiero.
Is it a dystopian novel?
Yes, it's a dystopian allegory that explores how society unravels when a mysterious blindness epidemic strikes, revealing the fragility of civilization.
What themes does it explore?
It explores themes like blindness, survival, the collapse of social order, authority, and morality, offering a psychological and philosophical critique.
What is the setting?
The story is set in an unnamed city plagued by the epidemic, with much of the action taking place in a mental asylum where the blind are quarantined.




