Jay Reguero is heartbroken to learn that his cousin, Jun, was killed as a part of the war on drugs being waged by President Duterte of the Philippines. He decides to travel to the Philippines to get to the real reasons behind Jun's death. He is forced to deal with Tito Maning, his uncle and Jun's father, who is a police officer loyal to Duterte and his violent, unorthodox methods. Tito Maning has forbidden the family to mention Jun's name and there was no funeral or memorial service. As Jay tries to get to the truth he discovers that his cousin Grace isn't quite who she appears to be. Together, the two of them find answers but not all of them are ones they were hoping to find.
The story is captivating and Ribay's writing brings Jay's grief to life in a powerful way. As a young man born in the Philippines and raised in the United States, Jay struggles with a sense of guilt when faced with the fact that he cannot speak the language of his native country and knows almost nothing of its history. The author also confronts difficult relationship issues without offering cliche solutions or pat answers.
I was completely drawn in by this story. The relationships were so real and the journey that Jay took to discover the truth was captivating. The characters were crafted with a complexity that brought them to life in a vivid way. It was the first book I've read by this author but it certainly will NOT be the last.
The story is captivating and Ribay's writing brings Jay's grief to life in a powerful way. As a young man born in the Philippines and raised in the United States, Jay struggles with a sense of guilt when faced with the fact that he cannot speak the language of his native country and knows almost nothing of its history. The author also confronts difficult relationship issues without offering cliche solutions or pat answers.
I was completely drawn in by this story. The relationships were so real and the journey that Jay took to discover the truth was captivating. The characters were crafted with a complexity that brought them to life in a vivid way. It was the first book I've read by this author but it certainly will NOT be the last.