A review by clara_ward
Song of the Mango and Other New Myths by Vida Cruz

adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 

I could recommend this new myths collection just for “Call of the Rimefolk,” which hooked me with its focus on an ice sculptor in Manila and expanded to include psychic lifeforms on Pluto past, future, and in alternate dimensions—all in one character-driven short story. “Odd and Ugly” offered a fascinating point of view from a kapre who lives in a mango tree (along with musing on other identity words related to “kapre”), while the title story gives a memorable backstory for both mangos and mango trees. 

Many of the stories deal with grief and finding new ways to live (some leading to more grief, but some more hopeful).  I’m not qualified to comment on the culture or older myths underlying these stories, but I appreciated the insights the author shared and how relatable she made the characters and situations. There’s also a list of helpful content notes at the back as many of the stories, while generally affirming and hopeful by the end, deal with serious issues involving grief, loss, abuse, and violence.