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Banana Heart Summer (2005)

by Merlinda Bobis(Favorite Author)

3.56 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0385341121 (ISBN13: 9780385341127)

languge

English

genre

Young Adult Fiction

publisher

Delta

review 1: I was first attracted to this book because of my ridiculous live for Pinoy food, and was delighted with the array of foods selected as the muse for each chapter. The book follows the life of a young girl struggling to support her 6 younger siblings as both her mother and father struggle to support their still growing family, as well as the constant ek-ek (drama) of the rest of the villagers. As much as I appreciated the lush descriptions of some of my favorite foods, I often got lost in the analogies and felt the storyline just dragged along. Not a complete waste of time, but certainly wouldn't be at the top of my list to recommend to friends.
review 2: This was a bittersweet coming of age story about a poor girl in the Philippines. Born out of the union of a ... morewealthy mom disowned by her family and a dad who was a mere mason, her life at home with five other siblings meant that there was not often much to eat. The story chronicles life on their little street, with vignettes about their neighbors and their happenings.The book is also centered around the theme of food, and its effect on the body and spirit, how there is never enough, etc. At times the writing style didn't work well and I was left confused - felt as if I was missing something. I really grew to like the characters, especially Manolito Ching and Miss VV, in contrast to the main character. It showed that even if you have enough to eat and it seems like the world is on your side, everybody has their own personal demons that they have to face.Not the best book, but a quick read that I don't regret. less

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