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Revolving around the life of twelve-year-old Nora, Marie Miranda Cruz’s debut novel delves into the growing divide between the middle class and those below the poverty line. After a devastating family tragedy, Nora and her mother are forced to live in Manila’s North Cemetery as informal settlers. Things take a turn for the worse when Nora’s mother mysteriously disappears one day.
Despite its premise, the story in Everlasting Nora is ultimately heartwarming. As Nora searches for her missing parent, she rediscovers compassion, resilience, and optimism within her community.
Cruz proves to be an expert in thoughtfully portraying the lived experiences of the poor and marginalized in the Philippines. Through her protagonist’s innocent eyes, she delivers a moving story that is both incredibly bleak and cautiously hopeful. True to its namesake, the impression that this book leaves is everlasting.
Highly recommended!
* I received a digital ARC of Everlasting Nora as part of my participation in a blog tour organized by Kate. This neither affects my opinion nor my review.
Despite its premise, the story in Everlasting Nora is ultimately heartwarming. As Nora searches for her missing parent, she rediscovers compassion, resilience, and optimism within her community.
Cruz proves to be an expert in thoughtfully portraying the lived experiences of the poor and marginalized in the Philippines. Through her protagonist’s innocent eyes, she delivers a moving story that is both incredibly bleak and cautiously hopeful. True to its namesake, the impression that this book leaves is everlasting.
Highly recommended!
* I received a digital ARC of Everlasting Nora as part of my participation in a blog tour organized by Kate. This neither affects my opinion nor my review.
With all the mixed reviews I’ve read, I went into this book with the lowest of expectations. I wanted so badly to, at the very least, enjoy it. Especially because the main character is half-Ilocano.
But!!! This isn’t just badly written with hilariously unrealistic dialogue, it’s borderline problematic as well. There is a lot of... weird fixation on whiteness that happens. And for some reason, the “conflict” of the story (if you can even call it that) is the love interest is too introverted, which is repeatedly used as a crutch for his abusive or shitty behavior.
I am confuzzled (a cute way of saying I was hella confused as I read this).
Full review to come (and tea may or may not be served).
P.S. At some point, the love interest is compared to Thor and is described as “the god of thunder dipped in a milk bath.” This Marvel fan is not on board with this.
But!!! This isn’t just badly written with hilariously unrealistic dialogue, it’s borderline problematic as well. There is a lot of... weird fixation on whiteness that happens. And for some reason, the “conflict” of the story (if you can even call it that) is the love interest is too introverted, which is repeatedly used as a crutch for his abusive or shitty behavior.
I am confuzzled (a cute way of saying I was hella confused as I read this).
Full review to come (and tea may or may not be served).
P.S. At some point, the love interest is compared to Thor and is described as “the god of thunder dipped in a milk bath.” This Marvel fan is not on board with this.
Second time reading this, and here are my initial thoughts:
Once Upon A Time but make it even more chaotic and entertaining. Full review to follow.