I've bought a dozen copies (and counting!) of this book for family and friends. If you're like me and you shop for Christmas early, this makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
I don't want to give away the details of the work, but I'd definitely recommend this for:
1) Filipinos
2) Filipino migrants
3) Families of Filipinos
4) Families of Filipino migrants
5) Friends of Filipinos
6) Friends of Filipino migrants
...which means just about everyone in the universe! Do you know anyone who doesn't have at least one degree relationship to any Pinoy, whether they know it or not? :)
So many settings and scenes in this debut novel are true-to-life and make one reminisce about growing up in Manila. The parts about singing "My Way" in a karaoke bar being likely to result in a brawl (check out "My Way killings" on Wikipedia) and the elephant event in Quezon City are based on actual events. Characters are "family" and social situations show the author's deft grasp of the Filipino psyche in the time period portrayed. (It must be noted, however, that not all married males in upper class Philippine society have a "side dish" - I think!)
The book is poignant, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, providing part of the picture of the Philippine Diaspora. At the same time, it's an easy read, I finished it in one day...but then again, I'm a very quick reader. I could totally relate (especially to the part about not having household help!), as one of ten percent of the Filipino population - that's about 10 million strong! - living away from their native land. Majority of overseas Filipinos are in the service profession because, as is evident in the book, it is a quality of the culture to be helpful and caring (this is a generalization; there are certainly the usual exceptions to the rule, such as the matriarchs of each generation in the Guerrero family). Nanay Cela is a fantastic example, and my family's Marcelas are Ate Yaz and Inday Gie, who returned to our family after starting her own to help care for my bedridden father who has severe Alzheimer's and needs 24 hour care.
For non-Filipinos or those of Philippine descent who grew up completely in another country, this provides a doorway into our culture, which mysteriously remains obscure for most. Philippine cuisine - mentioned in the book - is not well known, even as the eminent food journalist Raymond Sokolov considers it to be one of "the most important centers of gastronomic change outside Europe." In contrast, Mexican food, which is also on that list, is vastly widespread (see Sokolov's Why We Eat What We Eat: How Columbus Changed the Way the World Eats). We are a people that adapt to our environment as best as we can, wherever we may go. Filipinos are largely disinclined to make noise and bring attention to themselves.
I met the author in person at a book signing event and found her to be a very accessible person who's easy to talk with. She entertained the crowd as she read excerpts from her book. The voices were hilarious!
Thanks for telling our story, Marivi!
~ Le Petit Chaperon Rouge ~
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Five Stars
An amazing read! The characters are so vibrant! I could immediately "see" into the world that the author Marivi Soliven created. I was swept up into their vibrant world, and I loved it. Look forward to reading more of her work.
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