Baltasar and Blimunda

De: Giovanni Pontiero - translator, José Saramago

Narrado por: Tamir

Portugal, 1711: an amorous friar is pursued naked through the rubble-strewn streets of Lisbon; an enthusiastic procession of flagellants roars with pleasure over the damnation of adultery; a royal prince uses hapless sailors for target practice; and women dressed in colorful finery watch as lapsed converts and sorcerers are put to death by flames. In the midst of the terrors of the Inquisition and the plague, a seemingly mismatched couple discovers the wonders of love. This poetic tale, graced with exquisite historical detail and full of magic and adventure, is a tapestry of human folly and human will. The best-loved of all of the great Jose Saramago's works, this novel radiates with achievement.

©1998 Jose Saramago (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Much reverberates in memory after reading this enchanting novel, but most of all the love story which soars over the rest of the action like a flute above a heavy orchestra. Mr. Saramago, a writer of sharp intelligence, keeps this love story under strict control, free of pathos or sentimentality. It is a of, and on, the earth." (Irving Howe, The New York Times Book Review)

Such a beautiful book ruined by the narrator

I love Jose Saramago and this book, but the really had to do a huge effort to tolerate a very monotonous and unattractive narration.

brilliant surreal powerful tale not to be missed

brilliant surreal powerful tale not to be missed by anyone loving historical fiction blended with cultural social commentary.

Narrator makes this story a painful listen

Would you be willing to try another one of Tamir’s performances?

No. In fact, I'll avoid ANYTHING that she narrates in the future.

Any additional comments?

No fault to the author (or even the translator) there were parts of the story so poorly narrated they seemed a tedious listen. However, I also have a hard copy of this book and reviewing the same sections, i found them interesting and engaging. Never have I encountered such a poor read. A disservice to Saramago, Pontiero and the rest of us as listeners.

Where did they get this narrator?

Jose Saramago's novel is lyrical and captivating but this narrator absolutely ruins it, especially when she voices the characters, which she makes sound like slow-witted children. Why??? I've soldiered through the first two hours but my god, I cannot take anymore. I'm desperate to return this travesty but I can't while my membership is paused -- what a terrible waste of a not-inexpensive credit. Everyone involved in this production owes a giant apology to the ghost of Mr. Saramago.

Very disappointing:(

What would have made Baltasar and Blimunda better?

The author never really gives you an understanding of why these two characters are reallly together other than to keep each other company through life's journey. I really got the feeling that either of these characters could have gone off with anyone else. There is also too much time explaining the relationships between other characters in the book that are not related to the main characters. In addition, the ending was such a let down....really...Baltazar just ends up dying and Blimunda just goes off with his "will". I have often said that it is rare that I find a book I don't like, but this is one.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jose Saramago and Giovanni Pontiero (translator) again?

No I would not.

Would you be willing to try another one of Tamir’s performances?

No, she is too monotone. In addition, she made the two main characters sound like simpletons.

Any additional comments?

I would never recommend this book to anyone