adambwriter's review against another edition
4.0
Was certain I’d give this one a three because of what felt like tortured and convoluted (too precious?) stylistics, and the homophobia, but the last chapter and epilogue were redeeming and the rest of the book is definitely a raw and wide view of the Philippines, its history, politics, and people. The core theme turns out to be a question of art and life, and time, which made sense, in the end. Maybe I call it a 3.5?
roantcmn's review
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I expected a lot from this novel especially since it is a Palanca-awardee. To say the least, it fell short.
Book-Miguel and Crispin were both unlikeable. You wouldn't be rooting for any of the characters here which I find necessary in any book I read, unfortunately. The plot twist however served as the "redemption arc" for book-Miguel as fiction is enough to justify his questionable character (I think).
I breezed through the last 50 or so pages because that was when the story picked up its pace. The 3 stars are solely for the last part.
The author no doubt has mastered his craft although I wouldn't call this a "mystery Filipino novel". It felt more like a 300-page pessimistic tour of the Philippines. Gets ko naman na it aims to attack the political system of the country pero pati ba naman landscape ng city and the people there, iinsultuhin? Anyway, it's a good, one-time read. Could be better. Might have to read again para ma-gets pero not anytime soon.
-2 stars agad for the use of the n-word multiple times and how the author writes about women here, comparable to Murakami's.
Book-Miguel and Crispin were both unlikeable. You wouldn't be rooting for any of the characters here which I find necessary in any book I read, unfortunately. The plot twist however served as the "redemption arc" for book-Miguel as fiction is enough to justify his questionable character (I think).
I breezed through the last 50 or so pages because that was when the story picked up its pace. The 3 stars are solely for the last part.
The author no doubt has mastered his craft although I wouldn't call this a "mystery Filipino novel". It felt more like a 300-page pessimistic tour of the Philippines. Gets ko naman na it aims to attack the political system of the country pero pati ba naman landscape ng city and the people there, iinsultuhin? Anyway, it's a good, one-time read. Could be better. Might have to read again para ma-gets pero not anytime soon.
-2 stars agad for the use of the n-word multiple times and how the author writes about women here, comparable to Murakami's.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Sexual content
carmelitasita's review
3.0
This is a uniquely written tale by Miguel Syjuco about a search for details into his mentor's life after a gruesome death that becomes a journey into his own life. Interspersed in the narrative are bits and pieces of his mentor's works (novels, essays, etc.) that highlight the things that are happening during his own quest. Full of information about the Philippines and the people who leave to make their lives elsewhere, I found this book insightful and seemingly personal for the author. As a reader, you are left wondering whether this is a biography or an imagining of the author (in fact, I had to Wikipedia it to make sure!) and it makes the story all the more intense. Well done, Mr. Syjuco.
la_karina1818's review
Felt like I was reading an essay. Didn't care about the murdered author, nothing grabbed me.
seahorsemojinow's review
3.0
This was like, a fine book. There's a bunch of misogyny and homophobia. I think it's purposeful, so that you don't like the main character, but I still found it excessive and unnecessary. And a little boring? But the prose was engaging and compelling, and I found the plot pretty cool.
ahynesa's review
4.0
I had mixed feelings about the book. It was hard to get into. It felt slow and uneven. I wasn't draw to the characters. Yet it was masterfully written. Part way through, where Waiting for Godot was quoted, I had to stop and wonder what else was in there for quotes that I was missing.
I read the book in an effort to see the world through different eyes. I am not deeply versed in Pinoy culture, and I wonder what I've missed that way. I wonder about the literary allusions I've missed. I wonder what else I would get from this book if I read it with a bunch of Filipino literature students from Columbia.
I read the book in an effort to see the world through different eyes. I am not deeply versed in Pinoy culture, and I wonder what I've missed that way. I wonder about the literary allusions I've missed. I wonder what else I would get from this book if I read it with a bunch of Filipino literature students from Columbia.
samnopal's review
5.0
This is the first book I've read that upon completion I flipped to the first page and started to read it again.
zoracious's review
5.0
This book can be probably best described as an encyclopedic narrative encompassing most of what that genre entails - which would mean not only the 'fun' stuff like the different voices and media, but also the sometimes frustrating stuff - like digressions, obsessive inclusive of details, etc. I feel too it may also be a ghost story, in more ways than one. Because part of it takes on the voice of a young and inexperienced writer, there are parts of this book that are ridiculously (though in my opinion deliberately) overwritten. Still overall this book made me laugh out loud and stays true to the various media it presents, especially blogs and political writing and reporting.
It is one of the more ambitious novels I've read, which means that it manages to do a lot but also leaves some aspects not completely and satisfyingly resolved, which is not always a bad thing. It is also one of the most self-conscious books I've read, which to me flaws an otherwise decent story (and for me story is always paramount). Still, especially if you are interested in the Philippines or Fil-Am literature, this is worthwhile, good for some laughs, often thought-provoking, and a fun read.
It is one of the more ambitious novels I've read, which means that it manages to do a lot but also leaves some aspects not completely and satisfyingly resolved, which is not always a bad thing. It is also one of the most self-conscious books I've read, which to me flaws an otherwise decent story (and for me story is always paramount). Still, especially if you are interested in the Philippines or Fil-Am literature, this is worthwhile, good for some laughs, often thought-provoking, and a fun read.
rhodas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
stacialithub's review
4.0
Wow. Great story. I loved the intertwined viewpoints, the variety of voices. It's hard to pinpoint a genre, or style, or even an ultimate resolution to the story. There are as many questions as answers, I think. It feels both real & surreal at the same time; I sometimes felt an effect not unlike standing in a hall of mirrors, wondering which one thing was real, what was a reflection, what was a reflection many times over? Overall, an enthralling way to present a narrative (though it had a few weaknesses in parts). I need to ponder this one a bit longer & let it all sink in....