The third co-edition of the UFPA Press (ed.ufpa) with the José Saramago Foundation, *Literature and Commitment: Texts of Literary Doctrine and Social Intervention*, with selection, introduction, and notes by Carlos Reis, is a collection of twelve texts by Saramago, written at different moments in his life, which present reflections on the literary process itself – how author and work are inserted in time and space – and make explicit the author's political positioning and social awareness. In the first part of the book, Saramago revisits recurring themes in his works and lectures to indicate to his readers and listeners paths that lead to understanding his work and the importance of his novels, chronicles, and diaries for social transformation. The six texts that make up the second part show a Saramago who does not limit himself to contemplating reality, but goes further, "interrogating the world and the men who disfigure it, and fighting for a justice that is often delayed and not infrequently absent," as Carlos Reis emphasizes. Therefore, it deals with the “ethical need to deepen human rights and to speak of human duties. This, one might say, is José Saramago's final thought, formulated in an exhausted civilizational scenario.” José Saramago sought to understand and, within the limits of his art and influence, intervene not only in the social issues and tensions of his homeland (Portugal) or his final resting place (Spain), but also directed his gaze and words towards South America and Africa, especially towards ethnic conflicts and struggles for land rights. The book also includes two writings by the book's editor, "Words for a National Tribute," read in 1998 during an event honoring Saramago promoted by the National Library of Portugal, and "José Saramago: The Writer as Master," from 2010, read during the author's funeral ceremonies.

Co-published by: José Saramago Foundation

| ed.ufpa / Hardcover / 160 pp. / 170 x 240 x 15 mm |