Reviews

Diwata by Barbara Jane Reyes

doomedromances's review against another edition

4.75

bookmarked: a genesis of we, cleaved; the bamboo’s insomnia; diwata; polyglot incantation; hummingbird diwata; manila mango; again, she tells the first story; upland dance; duyong 1-5; dragonflies; estuary; estuary 2; sea incantation; eve speaks; visitation; call it talisman (if you must); pananaghoy; pasig; a chorus of villagers sing a song from another time now only a memory; eve speaks 2; in the city, a new congregation finds her; having been cast, eve implores 1-2; tocaya; aswang

lauren_endnotes's review against another edition

4.0

There is a thematic thread of the mysticism and allure of the sea and water in these lyrical verses. I enjoyed the 5-part Duyong poems. Two poems in particular intrigued me, and the idea of the larger and more complex story that could surround them:
A Little Bit About Lola Ilang recalls the occupation (and other atrocities) by Japanese soldiers in Reyes' native Philippines. The final lines captured an interesting element,

You know, not too long ago, some of the Japanese who had gone into hiding were found in the hills. They were so old. They never knew how the war ended.

Why Girls Do Not Speak has a folktale/legend component, as well as a strong feminist message.

with_drea's review against another edition

4.0

This is mostly only 4 stars because I feel like my mind wasn’t in a place to process it all. I need to buy it, reread it like 5 times, then dive back into Pinoy myths to feel this settle in my heart. What a beautiful book.

guardyanangel's review

4.0

This is mostly only 4 stars because I feel like my mind wasn’t in a place to process it all. I need to buy it, reread it like 5 times, then dive back into Pinoy myths to feel this settle in my heart. What a beautiful book.