The novel proved controversial, especially among the Roman Catholic Church, with the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano accusing Saramago of having a "substantially anti-religious vision". It was praised by other critics as a "deeply philosophical, provocative and compelling work".
The novel ignited fervent debate, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, with L'Osservatore Romano denouncing Saramago for having a "fundamentally anti-religious stance". It was praised by other critics as a "profoundly philosophical, incendiary and compelling work".