Watching a rented video Tertuliano Maximo Afonso is shocked to notice that one of the actors is identical to him in every physical detail. He embarks on a secret quest to find his double & sets in motion a train of events that he cannot control. Saramagos novel explores the nature of individuality & examines the fear & insecurity that arise when our singularity comes under threat when even a wife cannot tell the original from the imposter...