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A review by mmcloe
Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
This was recommended by Marlon James and I can very clearly see the influence of this on Brief History.
This seems like the kind of novel that people will be quick to refer to as "surreal" or a "fever dream" but with the exception of a few dream sequences, I think Hagedorn keeps her depiction of the Phillipines starkly real, almost hyperreal. The way she uses structural and genre fragmentation to portray her home as a place divided up by foreign influence leading to domestic turmoil still remains incredibly relevant and helpful for understanding financial and cultural imperialism nowadays.
This seems like the kind of novel that people will be quick to refer to as "surreal" or a "fever dream" but with the exception of a few dream sequences, I think Hagedorn keeps her depiction of the Phillipines starkly real, almost hyperreal. The way she uses structural and genre fragmentation to portray her home as a place divided up by foreign influence leading to domestic turmoil still remains incredibly relevant and helpful for understanding financial and cultural imperialism nowadays.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Violence