In Asia, being an individual under the LGBT community is thoroughly frowned upon with heavy penalties imposed on those for "deviant behavior". However, nobody is born an LGBT and nobody charts this path in life on purpose. Hardships, heartbreaks and other negative influences could influence the choice made. Danton Remoto has woven a novel that reads like a biography, creating a scene that is both tear-jerking yet beautiful at the same time.
This is a novel that talks about the rite of passage in the life of a young gay man who grew up in a colorful and chaotic dictatorship. Shaped in the form of a memoir, it glides from childhood to young adulthood, from provincial barrio to cosmopolitan London.
Its chapters are written like flash fiction, talk stories and vignettes; interlaced with recipes, a feature article, poems and vivid songs. This book marks the global debut of 'one of Asia's best writers'.
Issues of political dictatorship in the Philippines, situation of the hardcore poor, the real scene in Manila versus the slums as well as Filipino food is described in detail throughout this short yet concise novel. Some recipes are even provided to try at home like Laing (taro leaves simmered in coconut milk).
Metaphors sprinkled throughout the book lend a sense of nostalgia to the novel, entrancing readers to share the character's feelings and surroundings. I loved this book written by the Professor of Creative Writing and Head of School, English, at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. This book makes for an addition to your TBR list. Wonderful, charming and utterly nostalgic, Riverrun will tug at your heartstrings.
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