The monument of his power - as King João's ambition goes - is meant to surpass the splendor and grandeur of the Spanish Escorial. The construction of the monastery takes thirteen years, overseen by a master builder from Regensburg, while countless workers toil themselves to death in the process. Saramago contrasts the madness of this ambitious project with the misery of the tormented people, who seek solace in magic and messianic hopes. In opulent imagery, Saramago brings the first half of the 18th century in Portugal to life in all its facets.