Skylight Paperback – November 3, 2015

I truly miss the late Giovanni Pontiero. His translations of Saramago's works captured the same emotions in English as they were intended by their creator in his native Portuguese. I have had the pleasure to read "Skylight" under its original title "Claraboia" and fell in love with how Saramago was able to convey such detail even in his younger days (it was in 1953 that he had finished this book and sent it to his publisher, only for it to be lost until 1989). I have had the privilege to read more of Saramago from "Land of Sin" to "Death with Interruptions" and many more (either in Portuguese or English or both just to compare original to translation).I will say that the book is well worth the investment for anyone who loves Saramago. I would even recommend it to anyone who would like to read a masterpiece. Once you begin you can't put it down. I finished it the day I received it and have begun to reread it.Now, for why I gave this book only three stars. I would have to say the translation is what has made me give this book that rating. As I said in the beginning I do miss the late translator Giovanni Pontiero; however, Margaret Jull Costa is as accomplished a translator as he was, it is just that I felt that emotion was lacking in the book. She did a hit and miss job. The dialogue in the beginning between Silvestre and Mariana during the first chapter is a great example. I loved the conversations between them. I felt the same emotion when reading the exact dialogue in Portuguese; however, I am aware that during the translation process elements are bound to be lost.

This is the definition of good writing. Perfect portraits of individuals, each with their own problems and outlooks on life.

For those who are fascinated by Saramago’s work, like me, this book represents an extremely interesting literary matter. The mature Saramagohas a “voice” that is sublime in its penetrating irony and it’s firm grasp of human nature. This novel is one in which we see or hear a young Saramago in search of that voice. You “hear” that voice intermittently, in between overwritten passages and unskillfuly presented characters. It is not a very good novel, but one that is fascinating, if you want to know how a writer as great as Saramago, became great. He did it by writing as a way of learning to write.

Filled with thoughts and philosophies. This world would be a better place if this precious little work had a multitude oreaders.

This book has an amazing story behind its publication. I am a fan of José Saramago and this book is a wonderful addition to my collection. I am reading it in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish translation by his wife, Pilar. English is my first language, but reading it also in Spanish brings the wording a bit closer to his language, Portuguese.The story follows the lives of different, very different, people living in the same building. True to Saramago's later, though published earlier, books the reader becomes very close and has a personal connection with the characters. His insight into the souls and minds of such diverse people is what I always love about his writing.

I loved this complex story of the interconnected lives of the residents of an apartment building. The philosophical discussions between Abel and Silvestre beautifully tied the story together.I gave this novel only 4 stars because while reading it was difficult to keep all the characters and their personalities quirks straight. Pandu

Saramago has a way of infusing the mundane life of neighbors living in an apartment building with deep thoughts. The tenants live ordinary, boring lives, but never give up hope of breaking free from their day to day doldrums. Most of the philosophy comes in the form of conversations between the cobbler and his young rudderless boarder.

Enjoyed this book, even after have a little desire to get into it. The little life episodes and stories all tied well together and made looking into life in Lisbon very interesting and educational. A recommended reading.

Compared with the epic social and political themes of José Saramago's later work in `Raised from the Ground', this early novel, lost for decades at the publisher, focuses on individual and family lives in a 1950s Lisbon apartment block. The strains and tensions of intimate personal hopes, family relationship, and wider social interaction are deeply examined and considered. Despite covering several families and persona, Saramago succeeds in weaving a compelling story between them which is memorable and captivating. Sexual desire, interwoven with financial circumstance, powerfully influences social, family, and employment outcomes. The one weak point is the closing dialogue on the hope for a strong role for love, which is somewhat unconvincing. Nevertheless, this is a great work. Its late publication sadly demonstrates publishers' focus on name recognition above content.

A staggering read and journey through the understanding of man and his inner, as well as his outer, workings. I loved this work. Being a big José fan I galloped through this tale of lives interwoven in a time that no longer exist but still apply to our lives today. We fail we get up we disappoint each other we look out for each other. It is with sadness I say goodbye to Silvestré and Donna...you became part of my life, but sadly Don José is no longer with us to tell us if the wife returned to her husband, if Abel moved his lodgings, if the lady kept in leisurely luxury by using her beautiful body found another paying lover and if you sisters lived happily ever after. Brilliant and highly recommended read.

An eye opener for Saramago's early style. Really enjoyed it.

great read

A very good read