Literally Geeky discussion

Something to say about this month's book that can't wait until the hangout? You've come to the right place.

I'm a little nervous about this one. Religon is a touchy subject for lots of people - especially when it comes to criticism and satire. But here's hoping we get a good discussion out of it.

I kept thinking about the whole "racism" issue in the book. And, although people can surprise you either positively or negatively, Saramago doesn't seem like the racist type (if there's a type...) seeing his political/social history.

However, I did pick that up too, like Ez. Don't know if there were anymore (at least I didn't pick any). But I've started thinking, if that remark couldn't be a critic on the western depiction of historical/biblical characters of this very specific geographic area.

Catholic church tends to depict these characters (including god) as white, blonde people, which is indeed very strange for said geographical area.

So, just something that crossed my mind.

Donovan wrote: "I kept thinking about the whole "racism" issue in the book. And, although people can surprise you either positively or negatively, Saramago doesn't seem like the racist type (if there's a type...) ..."

Yeah, I did wonder if it was a reference to all biblical figures being white, which is why I opted for the three stars; casual racism is not something I've encountered in any other of his books. However it struck a bum note for me in a book that I otherwise very much enjoyed.