Death with Interruptions by José Saramago

José Saramago's Death with Interruptions is a novel about the fear and uncertainty of mortality. The book follows the story of a small Portuguese village, who, one day, discovers that Death has suddenly stopped visiting. Death has announced her intentions in a letter, citing the previous lack of recognition of her work and other personal concerns. With this strange change, the villagers must come to terms with the implications of not knowing when life will end.

Death with Interruptions is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different topic related to death and the concept of mortality. The first section explores the consequences of new longevity, as those who were previously thought to be near the end of their lives must now adjust to their new existence. Meanwhile, the second part follows the efforts of local priests and mayors, who decide to set up systems and rituals to manage the lack of knowledge about when a person's life could end. In the final section, Death unexpectedly returns. Having had time to consider her decision, she puts forth some conditions that allow people to choose their own time of death.

The novel is an exploration of how people perceive death, as well as how fear and uncertainty cause us to create systems to manage and control our lives. Saramago uses a variety of literary techniques to examine this topic, including symbolism, metaphors, and a sly wit. For example, Death appears in the form of a humble postman, a surprisingly playful concept that is used to remind the reader that death is something that cannot be avoided. Saramago also employs characters in order to reveal the different ways in which people respond to the unexpected news. The mayor of the town, in particular, provides the reader with a glimpse of the bureaucratic system that is created in the face of the unknown.

Overall, Death with Interruptions is a thoughtful and darkly humorous novel that muses on the breadth of human reaction to mortality. Starting as a story about two villages, Saramago quickly broadens the scope of his narrative, taking the reader on a journey of mortality and acceptance. He skillfully manipulates the rules of death, reminding us how even the rules of the eternal can be altered. Through the use of symbolism and humor, the reader is keenly reminded of the fragility of life. Death with Interruptions is an essential read for anyone looking to explore the nuances of life and death.