Sep 2, 2009
The Umbrella Country (Ballantine Reader’s Circle) (Paperback)
From Publishers Weekly
Gringo, the protagonist of Realuyo’s debut novel, is an 11-year-old Filipino boy growing up in a squalid Manila neighborhood amid brutal family circumstances. He absorbs frighteningly mixed messages about sexuality and manhood from the neighborhood beauty salon owner, Boy Manicure, who preys upon young boys and is preyed upon himself for his homosexuality. Gringo’s brother Pipo dresses up in women’s clothing for a make-believe pageant in which he is Miss Unive (more…)
5.0 out of 5 stars
moving and authentic
Just finished reading Umbrella Country — couldn’t put
it down. It was amazing and rang completely true.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Discouraging and over-rated
Going back to the Philippines I was amazed how much books exist written by Filipino writers. Wanting to strengthen my nationalism, I bought this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed it Immensely
This is the first Fil-Am novel I’ve read and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters will last with me for a long time.
5.0 out of 5 stars
CLASSIC!
Just like DOGEATERS, another the Fil-Am novel that preceeded it, THE UMBRELLA COUNTRY is a classic Fil-Am novel.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Disturbing yet enjoyable
My desire in purchasing The Umbrella Country was to read a new author and to be entertained. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Enjoyed This Novel
Reading this novel is like an open window to a country I don’t know much about. I read it at home, on the subway, at work.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not what I expected (this can be a good thing)
I’m not well-versed in Philippine fictional literature, so I can’t say whether or not this book covers a common subject.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good first novel
I’m very impressed with this first novel. I’ve always loved books about foreign locales. I felt like I was there when I was reading this novel.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Just good marketing
I was encouraged to buy this book because it had so many good reviews in the Philippines. I even attended the book launching as well as the UP-sponsored talk.
5.0 out of 5 stars
You’re a Hero!
My friends and I have read much about Sir Realuyo since he came back to the Philippines. All the major newspapers here have covered him.