[ElSapo]

Blindness:

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This is both a very dark and brutally cynical book and a sort of uplifting and human story.

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I would second this recommendation. This is an absolutely beautiful book, with solid message about how we treat our fellow humans. Saramago is a genius. This book mixes the darkest and most grim visualizations with uplifting and beautiful imagery as well.

Basically, this story goes to hell and back. It's amazing.

I also read The Double, which was also very good, a story about identity and what makes us who we are. Not quite as powerful, but maybe more relevant on a day-to-day basis.

Saramago is a fascinating writer because he really has something to say, and it comes out through these beautiful, fascinating and horiffic stories.