Baltasar and Blimunda

Set in 18th-century Portugal,
Baltasar and Blimunda
follows the journey of a one-handed soldier, Baltasar, and Blimunda, a woman who can perceive souls. They join a priest's ambitious project to construct a flying machine, powered by human will, against the backdrop of King João V's opulent and oppressive reign. José Saramago blends historical detail with fantastical elements and philosophical inquiry.
Why You Should Read?
A seminal work blending magical realism and historical fiction.
Examines universal themes of love, freedom, and human resilience.
Features José Saramago's distinctive and thought-provoking narrative style.