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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
Criticism lobbied at F. Sionil Jose is largely warranted where his archaic views on women and the situations by which they are subjected to indentured suffering are seen on full display. That unfortunately makes up crucial stories of this anthology that define his work. For me, it's not something I personally subscribe to for moral reasons, especially as we've progressed past the need to empathize for troubled characters whose priority is to subjugate, rape or make women do things against their will. (One story here includes a woman being forced to take an abortion through emotional reasons)
I will say though, his prose is undeniably attractive. It does remind me sometimes of those old uncles commenting on Facebook walls. Attractive in an archaic sense. Sometimes worth reading, but there's a point where the exhaustion is so tangible. Read with some caution.
I will say though, his prose is undeniably attractive. It does remind me sometimes of those old uncles commenting on Facebook walls. Attractive in an archaic sense. Sometimes worth reading, but there's a point where the exhaustion is so tangible. Read with some caution.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
"How could two very young people get to know the arcane ways of loving, caring? I did not know then what love was but I did know feeling - unexpressed, compulsive - "
-Puppy Love, an excerpt
A collection of stories by the National Artist F. Sionil Jose, he coincided the them of love into his foray of genres - from magical realism, to taboo tales, to Noir-ish takes, and even a shot of a children's story. The red book is romantic but is not cheesy. He weaves the words like a household chore, like washing the dishes - so mundane, yet so extraordinary.
My personal favorites from the collection is the children's story entitled The Molave and The Orchid, where the author wrote this -
"Someday, I will love someone for we are destined to do so."
THAT SIMPLY GAVE THE FEELS AWAY.
Other notable story here is the Waltz, which appealed to female readers (most of the bookish friends gush in this work, remembering the way the two characters danced and talked).
I suggest you read it in random. You never know what story is in store for you. And if you are a guy who doesn't prefer flowers as a gift to a special someone, give a copy of this instead. Introduce her to that children's story. And give the feels away.