Is José Saramago A-List?
No — José Saramago is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1998
Nobel Prize in Literature
Lost A-list status in 2010
Dropped to B tier — Death and Legacy
Ranking Timeline
First Novel Published
His first novel was published, but did not make impact.
"Memorial do convento" acclaim
Novel published to wide Portuguese acclaim.
"The Gospel" controversy
His controversial novel stirred public debate. It questioned religious norms.
"Blindness" international success
Published 'Blindness', his international success novel.
Nobel Prize in Literature
Awarded the Nobel Prize, cementing his place in literary history.
Death and Legacy
Saramago's death marked the loss of a major literary voice. He left behind a powerful body of work.
Last updated: February 23, 2026