earlapvaldez's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
matthijsgardeniers's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
gellyreads's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I realize that books where you have to piece things together and you don’t have one clear, cohesive narrative aren’t for me. I also don’t know how much of the lack of background info was an issue to understanding (I picked this up hoping to learn more, even though it was fiction). I also acknowledge that I know I need to speed-read when I realize I can’t connect with a book if I decide to not DNF it.
But. Wow. This was tough. I have no idea who Sadie was with. I struggled with the constant POV changed and the lack of dialogue tags. This was just not for me at all. I would love for someone to explain this book to me in a patient way, because I want to get it.
But. Wow. This was tough. I have no idea who Sadie was with. I struggled with the constant POV changed and the lack of dialogue tags. This was just not for me at all. I would love for someone to explain this book to me in a patient way, because I want to get it.
gfarinas's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
Felt like I was reading an essay. Didn't care about the murdered author, nothing grabbed me.
seahorsemojinow's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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.