Raised from the Ground - by Jose Saramago (Paperback)

About the Book

A multi-generational family saga that paints a sweeping portrait of modern Portuguese political history.

Book Synopsis

"Essential...A novel that resounds with relevance for our own time." --New York Times Book Review

First published in 1980, the City of Lisbon Prize-winning Raised from the Ground follows the changing fortunes of the Mau Tempo family--poor landless peasants not unlike Saramago's own grandparents. Set in Alentejo, a southern province of Portugal known for its vast agricultural estates, the novel charts the lives of the Mau Tempos as national and international events rumble on in the background--the coming of the republic in Portugual, the two world wars, and an attempt on the dictator Salazar's life. Yet nothing really impinges on the grim reality of the farm laborers' lives until the first communist stirrings.

Raised from the Ground is Saramago's most deeply personal novel, the book in which he found the signature style and voice that distinguishes all of his brilliant works.

From the Back Cover

Essential . . . A novel that resounds with relevance for our own time. "New York Times Book Review"
First published in 1980, the City of Lisbon Prize winning "Raised from the Ground" follows the changing fortunes of the Mau Tempo family poor landless peasants not unlike Saramago s own grandparents. Set in Alentejo, a southern province of Portugal known for its vast agricultural estates, the novel charts the lives of the Mau Tempos as national and international events rumble on in the background the coming of the republic in Portugual, the two world wars, and an attempt on the dictator Salazar s life. Yet nothing really impinges on the grim reality of the farm laborers lives until the first communist stirrings. "Raised from the Ground" is Saramago s most deeply personal novel, the book in which he found the signature style and voice that distinguishes all of his brilliant works.
Drawn from the experiences of the author s own ancestors, the novel is sustained by Saramago s rich descriptions, which can capture a span of time in a single image . . . or telescope a moment into a mystical event. "The New Yorker"
A beautifully written epic . . . Raised from the Ground presents a breathtaking view of this momentous period in Portugal s history. "Daily Beast
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Review Quotes

"Offers insights into the renowned author and his native land."-Kirkus "Saramago's poetic and political fans of the English-speaking world will unite in appreciation for this long-awaited translation."-Booklist --