"The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis" is a novel by Portuguese author José Saramago, published in 1984. The story follows the character Ricardo Reis, a fictional persona created by the poet Fernando Pessoa, as he returns to Lisbon after years in Brazil. Set in 1936, the narrative intertwines Reis's life with historical events, exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the nature of existence. The novel is notable for its unique narrative style, characterized by long sentences and minimal punctuation. It reflects Saramago's philosophical inquiries and his interest in the interplay between reality and fiction, as well as the impact of political turmoil on individual lives.