Saramago has become one of my favorite writers ever since I read "Blindness." After that novel, I read "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ," "The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis," and "Baltasar and Blimunda," all beautifully translated by Giovanni Ponteiro. It is therefore not surprising that I wanted to learn more about the author of those excellent novels. "Cuadernos de Lanzarote" provided me with the opportunity of learning more about Saramago: his defense of the Portuguese language, his love for Lanzarote, his compassion for stray dogs, his perception of history, his hatred towards the homogenizing European Union, his political postures. I have to admit, however, that I became somewhat impatient at times with his emphasis on literary prizes (especially the Nobel prize), but I can excuse him only because from the very beginning he warns the reader that he would indulge in narcissistic exercises. Those who like Saramago's writing will find value in this delightful book.

I read this book in it's original language - Portuguese - but I think the messages would be equally clear in any language. It's a very short story, or almost a fable, which very cleverly masks a critique of the way bureaucratic rulers deal with their "subjects". Looks like its for kids on the surface, but it's not!

This book is not an adventure novel. The title of the book may seem like a self-help book, it isn't! It is about one man's decision to understand himself because he feels mediocre. It took a while to finish the book because it is the voice of one person writing down his thoughts about his painting, his lovers and friends, so it is full of philosophical ideas.

Este libro de los escritos Zapatistas nos abre una puerta a la mente del revolucionario. Contiene diferentes historias, unidas por temas, que tratan los diferentes aspectos de la vida indigena chiapaneca. No solo nos da informacion sobre los pensamientos, sino tambien nos deja compartir en la tradicion oral de ese estado. Los cuentos son basados en temas cotidianos pero nos dejan con moralejas muy sutiles e impactantes. Yo recomiendo este libro a cualquier persona que quiera abrir sus ojos y su mente a otra realidad--la realidad zapatista.

his quind of writing has a special way of refer the portuguese way of life and costumes. Also is known because he dosen't submet himself to the price of money

BOOK IS USELESS FOR ANONE SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT A SMALL NATION THAT SANK INTO FASCISM AND SUDDENTLY BECAME-- WHAT?

I traveled much of Saramago's route over twenty years after he did. I am reading this book six years after my journey. I am delighted with his observations, and amazed at little some things changed in the years between our two journeys--there is timelessness about some of these places. It is, however, difficult reading. His habit of referring to himself as "the traveller" in nearly every other sentence really interrupts the flow and I can not read more than a chapter or two at a time without becoming so annoyed that I set it aside, only to go back to it the next evening. I'm now about three quarters of the way through it and will definitely finish it. Mechanically, it is much more difficult reading than his novels; intellectually, it is much less challenging.

I don't think I would be reading this book if I had not traveled in Portugal, but I wish I had had it with me when I did make that journey. It gives an insight to the people, places, and history that I, as a non-Portuguese speaking foreigner, did not get during my own travels. It is certainly bringing that trip back to me and I'm enjoying his view of the places I went and am regretting missing the places I didn't have time to see. If I am able to make another journey in Portugal, this book will go with me.

A meditation on the subtle mysteries of a rugged landscape occupied for thousands of years. A subjective and cerebral travelogue to be taken in and digested slowly. The traveller visits the tiniest villages and melencholy ruins; discribing encounters with the inhabitants and recording his moods and dreams. A treat!