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Penumbra Novellas
Craving
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 22, 2012
"Craving" was never on my "must-buy" book list simply because I had never heard of David Hontiveros or any of his work before. I know: I should seriously make a greater effort to learn more about the younger crop of Filipino writers out there. Thankfully, I was able to come across the book in ebay, while I was browsing for other stuff I could bundle with a book that was on my list. For Php50, I went ahead and bought "Craving".
I've always been a fan of paranormal/supernatural books (I ♥ Stephen King) so the combination of a Filipino writer and local folklore was appealing to me. The book is actually quite short and can be read in less than half an hour if you were pacing yourself.
Still, "Craving" is good enough for anyone wanting a taste of Filipino supernatural "literature". I'm just not sure how readily available it is in local and international bookstores.
I've always been a fan of paranormal/supernatural books (I ♥ Stephen King) so the combination of a Filipino writer and local folklore was appealing to me. The book is actually quite short and can be read in less than half an hour if you were pacing yourself.
Still, "Craving" is good enough for anyone wanting a taste of Filipino supernatural "literature". I'm just not sure how readily available it is in local and international bookstores.
October 15, 2014
It wasn't bad. I just didn't really want to spend so much money on a novella. If the Penumbra novels had all been published in an omnibus, I'd probably think it's better worth for my money?
The author certainly knows how to set the atmosphere, though. Descriptions were beautiful--horrific sometimes, like the details about the oil on the Doctora's hands or the crying Anne heard from the very start. Those small details were what made the thing for me. Sometimes, something is more horrific when you can't see it.
Questions have to be asked though:
1, I'm not sure if it's just me or whatever, but are doctor-patient relationships so good and personal in this country that being invited by your gynecologist to spend some time vacationing in HER house in the countryside not an issue for comment? Anne might have had to file for maternity leave, but what is Lester's job and how can he afford to stay with Anne at the time?
2, What is the importance of China Mieville in the story? (Although the name they would have called the child, 'Perdido' might have been a foreshadowing. No idea why parents would want to name their kid 'Lost' but that's parents for you.)
3, I kind of feel some sort of resentment for Lester (and everyone else in the story) for thinking that happiness triples when you have a kid. For putting his wife's life in danger AGAIN. Doctora Teresa--a woman, who should have known better even though she's not exactly and ordinary woman--for choosing this whole 'family that stays together' bullcrap over Anne's well-being.
I would rather have my wife whole than have her go through this. There is no consolation for what Anne had to go through. I guess that's what really makes this novella terrifying.
The author certainly knows how to set the atmosphere, though. Descriptions were beautiful--horrific sometimes, like the details about the oil on the Doctora's hands or the crying Anne heard from the very start. Those small details were what made the thing for me. Sometimes, something is more horrific when you can't see it.
Questions have to be asked though:
1, I'm not sure if it's just me or whatever, but are doctor-patient relationships so good and personal in this country that being invited by your gynecologist to spend some time vacationing in HER house in the countryside not an issue for comment? Anne might have had to file for maternity leave, but what is Lester's job and how can he afford to stay with Anne at the time?
2, What is the importance of China Mieville in the story? (Although the name they would have called the child, 'Perdido' might have been a foreshadowing. No idea why parents would want to name their kid 'Lost' but that's parents for you.)
3, I kind of feel some sort of resentment for Lester (and everyone else in the story) for thinking that happiness triples when you have a kid. For putting his wife's life in danger AGAIN. Doctora Teresa--a woman, who should have known better even though she's not exactly and ordinary woman--for choosing this whole 'family that stays together' bullcrap over Anne's well-being.
I would rather have my wife whole than have her go through this. There is no consolation for what Anne had to go through. I guess that's what really makes this novella terrifying.
March 24, 2015
This is the first novella I've read from this author and I love it. I've always been partial to stories with mythological creatures especially those from my country. The story was a mix of Malaysian and Philippine folklore. I loved how the prologue and the epilogue , somewhat, mirrored each other. And I love the subtle hair raising effect of the prose. This is the kind of story I wish the writers of Shake Rattle and Roll1 were able to produce. Simple, complete, and with a Pinoy twist.
Side Note: The cover, made by Carlo Vergara, is creepy. Especially the back part.
Side Note: The cover, made by Carlo Vergara, is creepy. Especially the back part.
June 22, 2013
VERY LOVECRAFTIAN!!! I love it! I thought somebody is going to be eaten... but no... this one is different. This is something similar to H.P. Lovecraft's work.
May 13, 2023
Spooky.
Read
November 19, 2014OK
January 16, 2016
i like it! it was indeed errie and well-paced, the story was something new, different from Filipino horror stories i knew while growing up.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews