Isabel Yap

Spells and stories, urban legends and immigrant tales all gathered together in one fabulous bundle.

Stories

Have You Heard the One about Anamaria Marquez

Krys C.

My favorites were definitely  Have You Heard The One About Anamaria Marquez  and how it's reminiscient of your typical Catholic school ghost story that leaves you wondering at the end;  Asphalt, River, Mother, Child  for the concept of a goddess of the underworld taking care of EJK victims (that had me crying) as well as the portrayal of the war on drugs; and  How To Swallow The Moon  simply because of the sapphic yearning.

tina

i love how this book is very reminiscent of the ghost stories and legends we filipinos have been told about while growing up. i also really appreciate how the author was able to capture and portray the filipino experience and culture in an authentic way and reading the stories felt very heartwarming, in a way, because of it. besides that, every short story holds up on its own as well and they were all very well written. there were a lot of standouts such as A Spell for Foolish Hearts, A Cup of Salt Tears, and Asphalt, River, Mother, Child to name a few. but i think my absolute favorites were definitely How to Swallow the Moon and A Canticle for Lost Girls. i can't wait to see what Isabel Yap's next book will be and i will for sure read it!

Rina

A perfect read for spooky season! This was such an enjoyable anthology. I loved the writing and how much it set the tone and vibe of each story; a lot of the stories felt bittersweet to me and ambiguous endings sometimes gave me chills. 

I was aware the author was born and raised in Manila but I wasn't expecting the stories to be reminiscent of something that would really go around a community, a catholic school, and even a retreat house in the Philippines (that last story, truly, wtf). I am REELING. I also liked how the myths and fantasy were woven with the current events in the Philippines (view spoiler)[(the extra judicial killings) (hide spoiler)]

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Manila is a city that sleeps only fitfully, and you love it and hate it for that reason." 
 
"“Will you heal my husband?” she asks.
“Will you love me?” it asks."

“It’s okay, anak. You have a voice. You have hands. You have your life. You don’t have to fight anymore. You just have to open your eyes, and see.”

 “I’ve loved you for a long time, my salt and stone, my ivory bone. And I will keep on doing so, and hurting for it, won’t I?”

Have You Heard the One about Anamaria Marquez Stories

Reviews