A review by st4r9irl
Banana Heart Summer by Merlinda Bobis

emotional inspiring reflective slow-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? Yes

5.0

this book really resonates with me. as a probinsyana myself, it was a joy to read about the philippines after the war and american colonialism. even though the country was technically independent, it felt like america never really left. the descriptions were so familiar, just like how mama used to describe her life during that time.

i loved reading about nenita's journey and her devotion to her family and senorita vv. it was so tender and sweet, showing that no matter how tough things were, nening was just a girl.

the book feels like listening to my mom's stories from her own childhood—the struggles, the essence of being in a big family, the hardships. it reminds me of the stories she used to tell. a beautiful book, a beautiful ode to us filipinos. i adore this.

new fave!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings