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sondershelf's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
“So long as the mountain stands, there is hope.”
Tiempo Muerto proves both the reflective and revolutionary potential of fiction in our country. Caroline Hau being able to explore economic disparity, historical plagues, and the potential solutions exhibit an exploration of a not so distant alternative future in our society. Showing that the spaces between us can be closed when take action together.
gab's review
5.0
really excellent read!!! so precisely written and managed to say so much. as the slow readers book club discussed, the conclusion of lia's arc was unsatisfying because she didn't really,,do enough, but i feel pretty accurate for what someone in lia's position (and social class) would do.
blazed through this and am left thinking hard. 4.5 / 5 stars
blazed through this and am left thinking hard. 4.5 / 5 stars
earthentea's review
4.0
This is an interesting piece of literature.
The novel combines a variety of elements—among others: women, workers, colonialism, oligarchy, poverty, feudalism, religion—to form a glazed picture of the Philippines.
Adding to its charm is the way Hau weaves a prose reminiscent to that of the characteristic July weather, fluttering between the scorching sun and leaden cumulus clouds.
It is unfortunate though, how the chapters leading to the ending pale in comparison to the blaze that the first parts possess.
Overall, this is such a good read, and I recommend it to those who want a [temporary] outlet for the hopelessness and rage that amalgamated over the years.
The novel combines a variety of elements—among others: women, workers, colonialism, oligarchy, poverty, feudalism, religion—to form a glazed picture of the Philippines.
Adding to its charm is the way Hau weaves a prose reminiscent to that of the characteristic July weather, fluttering between the scorching sun and leaden cumulus clouds.
It is unfortunate though, how the chapters leading to the ending pale in comparison to the blaze that the first parts possess.
Overall, this is such a good read, and I recommend it to those who want a [temporary] outlet for the hopelessness and rage that amalgamated over the years.
danipanini's review
5.0
The summary of this book is misleading—it's not the story of an OFW domestic helper looking for her mom and an old-rich Visayan heiress looking for her yaya, it's the story of two lost women finding themselves in the midst of history, controversy, and society.
I like what one review here said and I think it sums the book up perfectly: "it reads like a modern day Victorian novel" but placed in the Philippine context. It was definitely an experience—less like reading a novel and more like reading a historical and fictionalized non-fiction book with a story in its heart.
I took my time reading and absorbing this book, thoroughly enjoying all the parallels in the story with current-world Philippines despite it being set maybe in the early 2000s. The writing style is direct and intentional, narrative when needed, and never long-winding even with its longer passages. You could tell that it's truly a book rooted in the heart of the Philippine experience, one that's not all good. By the end, it transforms back into the age-old tale of the rich exploiting and oppressing the poor with power and money in its endless cycle.
Especially reading it now given my country's current socio-political climate, it really makes you wonder if it'll ever end. With stories like these, all we can do is hold on to hope and learn to look up, and by then we can take the next step.
I like what one review here said and I think it sums the book up perfectly: "it reads like a modern day Victorian novel" but placed in the Philippine context. It was definitely an experience—less like reading a novel and more like reading a historical and fictionalized non-fiction book with a story in its heart.
I took my time reading and absorbing this book, thoroughly enjoying all the parallels in the story with current-world Philippines despite it being set maybe in the early 2000s. The writing style is direct and intentional, narrative when needed, and never long-winding even with its longer passages. You could tell that it's truly a book rooted in the heart of the Philippine experience, one that's not all good. By the end, it transforms back into the age-old tale of the rich exploiting and oppressing the poor with power and money in its endless cycle.
Especially reading it now given my country's current socio-political climate, it really makes you wonder if it'll ever end. With stories like these, all we can do is hold on to hope and learn to look up, and by then we can take the next step.
claire's review
2.0
it didn't go the way i was expecting it to, but i like to think i got something out of the read anyway.
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