Favorite story from a favorite writer.

I can read this a thousand times and love as much as I did the very first time. This one by Saramago was true art.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Very engaging story

Saramago has an interesting way of writing. It's not filled with thrills, but it is highly detailed and profoundly engaging. This book paints a picture of a quiet, nondescript bureaucrat who seems lost in a bureaucracy. But he finds meaning in an almost meaningless personal pursuit that leads him into a labyrinth that keeps the reader enthralled. In an effort to learn more about a person with whom is has no connection other than a curiosity that emerges when her file card accidentally sticks to another he's pulled from a file box, the protagonist takes more and more bold and unconventional steps toward solving the mystery of the woman whose card has suddenly given his life a purpose and meaning..

The book explores the loneliness of individual lives and the need for human connection.

The book is slow, purposeful and detailed as it follows the protagonist deeper and deeper into the absurdity of his pursuit. And it is expertly and beautifully narrated - especially given the unusual writing style of the author.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

All the Names??

I felt compelled to finish reading the book, hoping that by the end either I would be able to figure out what the book was really about, or the author would just come out and tell me.
At the end I felt like a person who lives on the edge, never quite understanding the life I am living. Perhaps that’s what the author had in mind.
Too far above my head.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Enjoyable

An enjoyable read for those who who enjoy "Words" and those who ponder life death, loneliness and human interaction.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Excellent

Kafkaesk kind of existential inquiry. One of the best books I’ve ever listened to. Narrator was perfect for this story. I have a feeling listeners will either like it or not; no in between or maybes.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

effortless abstract conections

If you could sum up All the Names in three words, what would they be?

jose is a natural writer, he has the rare ability to connect words into the breath of actuality.in this rather dry setting,and contained life of the main character, he serves us all the names, the issues, that frame consciousness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the dead teacher...

What about A. C. Fellner’s performance did you like?

excellent

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the whole book in every detail is the cage of consciousness. and the fight to penetrate the paradox of its consequences

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Ariadne’s thread

This is the most useful metaphor to describe the journey on which Saramago takes the reader, a labyrinthine path that one can only retrace by means of an indestructible thread tied around one’s ankle, just as the protagonist does. There is a Dickensian quality to this story, quirky and detailed, both mundane and high-minded. A tribute to the tenacity of human beings to find connection and meaning.

However, the performance is unforgivable! How can the narrator possibly read the entire novel MISPRONOUNCING THE PROTAGONIST’S NAME?! Seriously! Señor Jose pronounced “Joe-zay”instead of “Ho-zay” is simply beyond comprehension. And where was the director of this project to allow such a travesty?

Sad existence … not my cup of tea!

I usually don't write reviews, but this book compelled me to do so. While I got through 80% of the book, though it was well written and the narrator did a very good job of conveying the fabric of the story, I was bored and had to stop listening. I'll never know how it ended, but I doubt there was any great event or revelation to greatly change the overall story. The subject matter was not ideal for me, and I felt sorry for the character in his methodical lonely life ... waiting for something more to happen. It had elements of humor and fantasy, but not enough to hold my interest. I suppose if you like this sort of character examination and a deep dive into the psyche of a person living an ordinary and unremarkable life then you will like this book. Glad I didn't use a credit for this one!

Wasted time

I only leave reviews if story Is great or horrible sadly this has to be one of the worst
The most descriptive writing that adds up to nothing
Literally nothing happens !!