The Last Time I Saw Mother

By Arlene J. Chai

Book Overview

"AN OFTEN LYRICAL AND ALWAYS TOUGH-MINDED DEBUT . . . Provides rare insight into the three cultures--Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino--that coexist in the Philippines." --The New York Times Book Review Caridad's mother never writes. So when a letter arrives for her in Sydney from Manila, Caridad doesn't even recognize her mother's handwriting. There is more distance than just miles between the two women. And that is why Caridad is called home. Her mother needs to talk. And to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years. As Caridad hears at last the unspoken stories, and the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, she will learn a startling truth that will change her life forever. For Caridad is not who she thinks she is. . . . "Beautifully written . . . Reading each chapter is like having a conversation with a close friend." --Chicago Tribune "A sensitive . . . portrait of a family of Filipina women . . . The novel illuminates much modern Philippine history." --The Boston Globe

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0449912345
• ISBN13: 9780449912348
• Release Date: May 1997
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Pinay Pride

"A remarkable first novel filled with family secrets and the intersection of personal and world histories, told through four mesmerizing voices." -- Amy Tan Amy Tan summed it up perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it brought out my Filipina pride. I first learned about this book from a small commentary in one of the fashion magazines and bought it to read on my trip in Egypt. Okay, 5 years later I finally finish it! Before the family secret was revealed, I had a very strong inclination of what the secret was that brought Caridad back to the Philippines. Fortunately, that wasn't the main focus of the book. The focus was on the relationships between these four women (sisters, aunts, cousins, daughters). Where Amy Tan focuses on the relationship between mothers and daughters, Arlene Chai emphasizes the extended family ties that Filipinos are known for. Chai did a wonderful job of writing in 4 distinct voices...you can really hear the difference, while at the same time there is some similarity in they way they told their stories re-enforcing that these women are bonded to one another. I also enjoyed the interweaving of the historical events into the personal lives of each character...it provided a mini-Filipino history, painfully reminded me of the stories my Lola (grandmother) shared with me about her experiences with WWII as well as flashbacked to the moment in time when I heard that Aquino was assassinated. I also dig seeing Filipino words in a novel meant for pleasure and Chai explained the context of each Filipino word in away that wasn't simply a definition/translation. From the way she used the words, non-Tagalog speaking folks could guess what it meant. The ending of the book was pleasantly touching, which was very refreshing because most of the other books that I recently finished left me with a blah feeling at the end. Finally, I discovered an awesome quote in the book that fellow booklovers might appreciate. It's a statement that one of the characters in the book says in describing why he loved to read and how he read: "Much effort went into writing this... so one must do justice to the writer and read it carefully. Every word has a place in these pages. There is a reason why they are there."

Brilliance of An International Filipina Writer

I want to say that I found the book brilliant. I am very nationalistic, but I have never appreciated the works of contemporary Filipino authors-that is, until now. It gave people a clear picture of what being Filipino was and is like. Of course, some things have changed, but her work is still a clear reflection of the Pinoy life. It also revealed how much our history still means to us today-how much value our freedom and independence is to us as shown in the accounts of the Japanese Occupation and the EDSA Revolt. May dating pa rin ang Pinoy, and it certainly shows in this book.

reflecting on your childhood you find many things

This novel gives an honest account of mother daughter relationships and childhood memories.While it also gives readers an insight into the history of the Philippines.

The turth must be told no mater how painful it is.

The book "The Last Time I Say Mother" is one of the best books I read in recent months. In this story, telling the truth seems to threaten the relationships of three keepers of truth. The interesting story keeps the reader wanting to finish the book in one sitting to be able to find out the identities of the keepers of truth and also to be able to find the truth. The only letter that Caridad of Australia received, in her entire life, from Thelma of the Philippines, generated so many questions that can only be answered by going home to the Philippines. I think this book is more or less similar to "The Face On The Milk Carton", a heartwarming fiction novel that gives us a credible view of the faces that appear on milk cartons, newspapers, or some postal offices. Both stories are seeking for the truth before making any judgment on someone especially if the people involved are the people who gave you everything that you want in life. But if you like to learn about other cultures, like the Filipino culture, you must read "The Last Time I Saw Mother" by Arlene J. Chai.

Powerful AND uplifting

At least now I know that a lot of the stories my mom told me could actually be true! Something's can seem so far fetched...but Chai's story...it could have been an autobiography for any Filipino woman. This is a novel that you must read (especially if you're a Filipino, but I'm not limiting this review to)