The Umbrella Country

By Bino A. Realuyo

Book Overview

"Certain things are better kept than said. . . . But certain things you have to find out now. . . ." On the tumultuous streets of Manila, where the earth is as brown as a tamarind leaf and the pungent smells of vinegar and mashed peppers fill the air, where seasons shift between scorching sun and torrential rain, eleven-year-old Gringo strives to make sense of his family and a world that is growing increasingly harsher before his young eyes. There is Gringo's older brother, Pipo, wise beyond his years, a flamboyant, defiant youth and the three-time winner of the sequined Miss Unibers contest; Daddy Groovie, whiling away his days with other hang-about men, out of work and wilting like a guava, clinging to the hope of someday joining his sister in Nuyork; Gringo's mother, Estrella, moving through their ramshackle home, holding her emotions tight as a fist, which she often clenches in anger after curfew covers the neighborhood in a burst of dark; and Ninang Rola, wise godmother of words, who confides in Gringo a shocking secret from the past--and sets the stage for the profound events to come, in which no one will remain untouched by the jagged pieces of a shattered dream. As Gringo learns; shame is passed down through generations, but so is the life-changing power of blood ties and enduring love. In this lush, richly poetic novel of grinding hardship and resilient triumph, of selfless sacrifice and searing revelation, Bino A. Realuyo brings the teeming world of 1970s Manila brilliantly to life. While mapping a young boy's awakening to adulthood in dazzling often unexpected ways, The Umbrella Country subtly works sweet magic.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345428889
• ISBN13: 9780345428882
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

CLASSIC!

Just like DOGEATERS, another the Fil-Am novel that preceeded it, THE UMBRELLA COUNTRY is a classic Fil-Am novel. It possesses all the ingredients of a novel that will be read again and again over the generations: a moving story, an imaginative setting (Manila in the 70s), unforgettable characters (two brothers going through very hard times like Crispin and Basilio in Rizal's NOLI ME TANGERE), and a platform of issues never before presented in Filipino literature (sexual violence, homosexuality, abuse). A good friend introduced me to THE UMBRELLA COUNTRY, and told me it is one of the most read Filipino novels to date. One does not have to be of Filipino background to appreciate the poetry and the poignant narrative of this novel, one simply has to love good writing, lyrical prose that sounds more like a symphony of words, well-orchestrated and crafted. If there is such a thing as sculpture in literature, THE UMBRELLA COUNTRY will be the one. When there is not much to be proud of as a Filipino these days, I am particularly proud of being one, after reading this novel. This is my holiday gift for my friends. I highly recommend it. (I usually don't write reviews on-line, but I have to do it for this novel. I hope people who read this will be convinced to buy it.)

a very pleased reader

I'm pleased to have come across this book while browsing ... recently. What attracted me initially was the cover- it made me want to find out more about the book. Upon beginning to read it, I found myself unable to put it down that I had to buy it and in fact, finished it in one night. The novel is so well written that I felt I was transplanted to the Philippines, a country I know nothing about, and was living life with the characters themselves. After deciding to browse reviews of the book ... , I was surprised by the negative reviews- they definitely do not reflect my thoughts about this novel- I would definitely recommend it! Anyone knows when this author is coming out with another novel?

If you read Fine literature . . .

then the Umbrella Country is the book for you. I am appalled by the recent reader reviews of this book here. I am a Filipino American myself. I love reading poetry and good contemporary literature. This might be the reason why I enjoyed reading Realuyo's novel. I thought the "official" reviewers where right on the dot about this book. I found it in the Discover Great New Writers section of B & N, and I instantly bought it. Unlike the other readers here, I was not disappointed. I understood what Realuyo was trying to do. The book is really not about Martial Law in the Philippines per se, but the lives of this family who was affected by it. Theirs is the kind of life that is still being led by so many Filipinos. It is a story that is both touching and realistic. I believe the beauty in the book lies in the manner it was written: lyrical prose, poetic lines, and interspersed narrative style. If you read Stephen King, this may not be the book for you. Realuyo's novel and many novels like his are for people who enjoy collecting FINE LITERATURE.

Los Angeles Reading

I couldn't put the book down after I started reading it. I just wanted to know what was going to happen to Pipo and Gringo. The characters grew on me so much that there was a point where tears fell down my cheeks because I felt so much for them. Also, it really hit home when I read the part where daddy Groovie was about to leave for the states. My kid sister (the youngest one of all four girls) who was then six howled and kicked her way through to my mom when she was about to leave (for the states). We all had to sit through lunch at the restaurant in the airport where you could see the planes landing and departing. We had to keep it a secret from my sister, but being the smart girl that she is, sensed that something was wrong, that my mom was leaving. I guess kids have that sixth sense when it comes to these things...their innocence does not hinder them from holding back what might be otherwise concealed by adults. When Pipo was at the airport, even trying to act and look like daddy Groovie ( his last ditch effort to make his dad stay or like him), begging for some sign or love or affection, I felt as if I was transported back to that day when I couldn't help but cry too, seeing my kid sister struggle to literally reach my mom. It might not be exactly the same circumstance, but it sure is familiar. It was painful for me to read that part, the leaving part, but at the same time, relieving since I have survived those difficult times. This is what makes the characters in the story universal...they love, ache and bleed as all humans do. Although they have different surroundings, the humanity in them shines through.This novel moves me, and the lyricism captures the rich and painful facets of the Filipino culture. I too grew up with those principles and beliefs. Reading this novel has been such a gift to me. Thank you for giving the whole world (including me) something to hold close to our hearts and minds. It is a sad, and painful reminder of what we are, where we came from, and what we can become (anything, if we try). The umbrella country is a success as far as I'm concerned.

FOR A FIRST NOVEL-IT WAS MARVELOUSLY WRITTEN.

I attended Realuyo's reading in San Francisco. I was glad to hear him read from his first novel. I think the Umbrella Country is a very rare Filipino Novel. It covers stories of people we never hear about. I know this young author will go very far and deserve success on this book. His writing is superb. His reading of his work matches the lyrical tone of his book. Support this book! I don't see books by Filipino authors all the time, so I am glad to finally read this one. What a beautiful novel this is! I bought a copy for all my friends and relatives. You will learn about the Philippines in ways it hasn't been explored in Filipino novels. The story and characters have stayed with me. I laugh and become sad whenever I think about them. That is what a great novel does. Highly recommended.