The Lizard
Yes, a lizard appeared in Chiado. Large and green, an imposing freckle, with eyes that looked like black crystal, the flexed body covered in scales, the long, agile tail, the quick paws.
Portugal
«"The Lizard" is a short story included in *The Traveler's Baggage* (1973), a volume that brings together the chronicles written by José Saramago for the daily newspaper *A Capital* and the weekly *Jornal do Fundão* between 1971 and 1972. The story narrates the appearance in Chiado of a mysterious lizard, whose presence surprises passersby and mobilizes the fire brigade, the army, and the air force. In a clear and precise style, the fable offers a plurality of meanings capable of captivating readers of all ages. This edition also features magnificent woodcuts by the master J. Borges.
Brazil
Do you believe in fairies? No? Then how do you explain the story of this giant lizard that suddenly appeared in the middle of the street, spreading chaos among the city's residents and, at the height of the confusion… Better not tell, but I guarantee that something amazing happened! What could it be? I invite you to find out – and then have the courage to reaffirm that you still don't believe in fairies.
Spain
2018 (Translated by Pilar del Río) (Illustrations by J. Borges)
Language
Spanish
El Lagarto is a short story included in El equipaje del viajero (1973), a volume that brought together the chronicles written by José Saramago for the daily A Capital and the weekly Jornal do Fundão between 1971 and 1972.
The story narrates the appearance in Chiado of a mysterious lizard, whose presence surprises passers-by and moves bombers, the army and the aviation. With a clear and precise style, the fable offers a plurality of directions capable of captivating readers of all ages.
Italy
“"Non voglio rimandare oltre. It's a lot of time when I must raccontare a favola. But the world of his favole has ormai fatto il suo tempo, nessuno ci crede più, e per io io giuri e spergiuri, è sicuro che mi rideranno dietro. In the end I continued to sarà la mia semplice parola contro le beffe I said a million inhabitants. Despite everything, we put the boat in water, then the oar will come.”
Turkey
Daha fazla gecikmesem iyi olacak. Uzun zamandır bir peri masalı anlatmak istiyordum, ama perilerin devri kapandı, artık kimse onlara inanmıyor, üstelik doğru söyledigimi iddia etsem de bana gülerseniz hiç sanmam. Sonuçta benim sözüme karşı şehrin bir milyon sakini var. Öyleyse sandalımızı suya indirelim, kürekler yolunu bulsun.
