The Laughter of My Father (Paperback)

~ Carlos Bulosan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bulosan's literary works _ buried and forgotten during the later stages of his life _ have been resurrected and are now read widely, thanks to the efforts of Asian-American scholars and the University of Washington Press --The University of Washington

This collection of short stories is both humorous and amazing in their rural detail. One minute you laugh, the next you cry, but what you always do is turn the page. It's an enjoyable read from beginning to end and is invaluable as a historic tool to that era in the Philippines. --Louella Turner --This text refers to the Perfect Paperback edition.

Product Description

The Laughter of my Father is a reprint of a book originally printed in the 40's. Carlos Bulosan was quite well-known in the Philippines, but came America and died at the age of 44 in virtual obscurity. Because of the efforts of the University of Washington his work is being read again. The Laughter of my Father is a compilation of humorous sketches showing rual life in the Philippines during Bulosan's youth. --This text refers to the Perfect Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; Bantam ed edition (1946)
• ASIN: B0007HDF7Q
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,262,877 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Was a bestseller - and deserved it, March 1, 2009

By	David Lee Kirkland (Saint Charles, Mo USA) - See all my reviews

This was a best-seller in the 1940s. And, arguably, is better now. Then, the 24 short stories were celebrated as a comic journey in a rural Phillipines. And the stories are funny, some bordering on hilarious. Bulosan was angered by the praise that followed, for he had cloaked social commentary in humor. The deeper message championed the poor against the rich, the peasant against the powerful. He did not wish that parallel understanding to go unrecognized. Why better today? Yes, of course, because it can be read for enjoyment, for the laughter the title promises, and also as satire, but now it also embodies an evocativeness, a stirring of nostalgia for an earlier and simpler times. This book is an easy read, a fun read, but a collection that also rewards a second or third reading. David Lee Kirkland