Friday 56 & #BookBeginnings: May Day Eve


The elder Monzon was waiting for his wife to speak. [..] She was a handsome, well-preserved woman and, her husband was thinking, a great deal more clever than she allowed herself to appear. 
- p. 1, from the short story "Three Generations"

For Friday 56:  
But he had loved to be talked about, thought Currito. He had loved to swagger and to be held in horror by the public and to be considered quite a devil.
- p. 56, from the short story "The Legend of the Dying Wanton"






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19 comments

  1. I don't read many short stories but I like the quotes.

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  2. I am so pleased that you managed to find this lovely little collection from your home country, although I do hope that it didn't make you too homesick.

    I do read short stories from time to time and I also try to read books from other cultures, so this is definitely one to bear in mind and I quite like that cover, it is somehow beguiling!

    Thank you for sharing and enjoy your weekend,

    Yvonne.

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    1. Yvonne, I bought this several years ago on a Philippine trip when I realized I haven't been reading much literature from my country!

      I thought the same thing about the cover ... simple yet very striking.

      Happy weekend to you too!

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  3. I enjoy reading short stories occasionally, and these sound like good ones. I hope you're enjoying them.
    My Friday post features A QUILT FOR CHRISTMAS.

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  4. Hmm, can't say that beginning particularly endeared me to the book. How was the rest of it??

    My beginnings post is here: http://www.bookpunks.com/so-it-begins-flex-by-ferrett-steinmetz/

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    1. I marked this as "amazing." The thing is, this is set in my home country so I am obviously biased. ;)

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  5. I love short stories. I would have to read a bit further.

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  6. The word "horror" makes me think he's not such a good character. I'll bet it's a good story.

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    1. That one was a really good one ;) he's definitely a bad apple!

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  7. I'm not sure this sounds like it's for me but I like the sound of the excerpts. The writing sounds really strong. Hope you enjoy your reading!

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    1. The writer is a national artist in the Philippines and the stories are very tight. I loved this collection and hope others discover more of Joaquin's writing outside of the Philippines.

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  8. Not sure I would have been drawn to this book. What made you want to read it? I love knowing what draws people to the books they read. Mine beginning can be found here... http://lisaksbookthoughts.blogspot.com/

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    1. I was disappointed that I hadnt read any Filipino authors (esp since I am Filipino myself!) so I decided to get my feet wet by trying Nick Joaquin!

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  9. I like that statement. Sounds powerful.

    ENJOY!!

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Book Beginnings

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  10. That's a great beginning! I haven't been leaving comments for awhile, but I appreciate you participating in BBOF. Thanks!

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  11. Where are the stories set? i am not much on short stories but these sound OK. Anne's Friday Quotes

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© guiltless readingMaira Gall