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The Intermittency of Death by José Saramago: A Bold Reflection on Immortality

Portuguese author José Saramago, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998, has always challenged narrative conventions and pushed readers to contemplate deep existential questions. The Intermittency of Death (As Intermitências da Morte), published in 2005, is no exception. It delves into the intertwined forces of life and death with irreverence and wit.

The Premise: A World Without Death

The story starts with a provocative premise: what would happen if, one day, death simply stopped doing her job? In an unnamed country, at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day, people stop dying. No matter how severe their conditions, nobody can take their last breath. At first, this newfound immortality is welcomed with joy, but soon the darker side of a world where death is suspended comes to light.

A Novel that Challenges Society

Using his signature style, characterized by long sentences, minimal punctuation, and a subtle irony, Saramago explores the social, political, and economic consequences of a world without death. Hospitals fill up with terminal patients who cannot pass away, nursing homes overflow with the elderly, and even the Church faces a crisis, as the concept of eternal life loses its significance.

The novel delves into how institutions struggle to adapt to the new reality. Insurance companies go bankrupt, the government grapples with overpopulation, and even organized crime tries to profit from the paradoxical situation. With sharp satire, Saramago highlights the hypocrisy of society, forcing readers to reflect on how deeply our social structures rely on the inevitability of death.

When Death Returns (and Becomes Humanized)

The narrative takes a turn when, suddenly, death decides to resume her work, but with one small change: she will now send a letter to those about to die, giving them one week’s notice. This change throws everyone into chaos as people desperately try to escape the inevitable, revealing how unprepared we are to face our own mortality.

However, the true twist comes when death herself becomes a character, taking on a human form and facing dilemmas that seem almost earthly. In a more intimate and reflective second half of the novel, Saramago offers readers a surprising love story between death and a musician—an unexpected relationship that, paradoxically, explores the beauty and fragility of life.

Final Thoughts

The Intermittency of Death is a novel that does more than entertain; it raises profound questions about what it means to be human. In a world where we often try to ignore or defy death, Saramago reminds us that it is an intrinsic part of our existence. His storytelling challenges us to confront our fear of the unknown and to reflect on how much we value the time we have.

Saramago’s ironic tone and fluid writing balance the weight of the subject matter, making the book an engaging yet thought-provoking read. The Intermittency of Death is highly recommended for those looking for a novel that masterfully blends philosophy, satire, and a dose of humanity, pushing us to ponder the deeper meaning of life and death.