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Puppy Love and Thirteen Short Stories
The stories of F.Sionil Jose are culled from Filipino life and are clear windows to the humanity of a people striving for justice and well being. Some are also charming episodes on growing up and discovery.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 1998
About the author
F. Sionil José
57 books398 followersFrancisco Sionil José was born in 1924 in Pangasinan province and attended the public school in his hometown. He attended the University of Santo Tomas after World War II and in 1949, started his career in writing. Since then, his fiction has been published internationally and translated into several languages including his native Ilokano. He has been involved with the international cultural organizations, notably International P.E.N., the world association of poets, playwrights, essayists and novelists whose Philippine Center he founded in 1958.
F. Sionil José, the Philippines' most widely translated author, is known best for his epic work, the Rosales saga - five novels encompassing a hundred years of Philippine history - a vivid documentary of Filipino life.
In 1980, Sionil José received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.
In 2001, Sionil José was named National Artist for Literature.
In 2004, Sionil José received the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award.
F. Sionil José, the Philippines' most widely translated author, is known best for his epic work, the Rosales saga - five novels encompassing a hundred years of Philippine history - a vivid documentary of Filipino life.
In 1980, Sionil José received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.
In 2001, Sionil José was named National Artist for Literature.
In 2004, Sionil José received the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 26, 2015
"How could two very young people get to know the arcane ways of loving, caring? I did not know then what love was but I did know feeling - unexpressed, compulsive - "
-Puppy Love, an excerpt
A collection of stories by the National Artist F. Sionil Jose, he coincided the them of love into his foray of genres - from magical realism, to taboo tales, to Noir-ish takes, and even a shot of a children's story. The red book is romantic but is not cheesy. He weaves the words like a household chore, like washing the dishes - so mundane, yet so extraordinary.
My personal favorites from the collection is the children's story entitled The Molave and The Orchid, where the author wrote this -
"Someday, I will love someone for we are destined to do so."
THAT SIMPLY GAVE THE FEELS AWAY.
Other notable story here is the Waltz, which appealed to female readers (most of the bookish friends gush in this work, remembering the way the two characters danced and talked).
I suggest you read it in random. You never know what story is in store for you. And if you are a guy who doesn't prefer flowers as a gift to a special someone, give a copy of this instead. Introduce her to that children's story. And give the feels away.
June 27, 2012
Another five stars for F. Sionil Jose. Puppy Love is in no way sugary for those who are interested, neither is it all corny when it touches upon the different aspects and angles of the ever elusive concept of love.
Puppy Love, is hands down, one of his best short stories but one must also remember to sink their teeth into the other short stories in the collection like that of "The female principle", you're in for one hell of a hike with this one.
Like in his other novels, Jose takes on the coat of the maestro as he swings and swirls his words around to create beautiful stories in glorious harmony.
Puppy Love, is hands down, one of his best short stories but one must also remember to sink their teeth into the other short stories in the collection like that of "The female principle", you're in for one hell of a hike with this one.
Like in his other novels, Jose takes on the coat of the maestro as he swings and swirls his words around to create beautiful stories in glorious harmony.
May 20, 2011
Puppy Love and Thirteen Short Stories portrays love and its different facets (a love that is..., the love for...) and the loss of innocence. Humor is laid on thin and a certain heaviness is present in most, if not all of the stories. These are very thought-provoking and realistic (except maybe for one) that I often found myself questioning the reasons for the characters' behavior, why they have different notions about justice (who deserves it, who should give it, how they would get it, will they ever get it), and if hope isn't very far from anyone who would choose to keep it alive.
November 4, 2014
4.5 really.
Should've given this the perfect five because The Female Principle is really superb and The Waltz almost made me cry but I didn't like Dream Videos. So, there. 4.5
P.S.
I still love you, FSJ. ♥
Should've given this the perfect five because The Female Principle is really superb and The Waltz almost made me cry but I didn't like Dream Videos. So, there. 4.5
P.S.
I still love you, FSJ. ♥
November 12, 2016
This is my least favorite work of F.Sionil Jose but I liked the Dream Videos.
April 30, 2022
Criticism lobbied at F. Sionil Jose is largely warranted where his archaic views on women and the situations by which they are subjected to indentured suffering are seen on full display. That unfortunately makes up crucial stories of this anthology that define his work. For me, it's not something I personally subscribe to for moral reasons, especially as we've progressed past the need to empathize for troubled characters whose priority is to subjugate, rape or make women do things against their will. (One story here includes a woman being forced to take an abortion through emotional reasons)
I will say though, his prose is undeniably attractive. It does remind me sometimes of those old uncles commenting on Facebook walls. Attractive in an archaic sense. Sometimes worth reading, but there's a point where the exhaustion is so tangible. Read with some caution.
I will say though, his prose is undeniably attractive. It does remind me sometimes of those old uncles commenting on Facebook walls. Attractive in an archaic sense. Sometimes worth reading, but there's a point where the exhaustion is so tangible. Read with some caution.
May 10, 2026
Haven’t read any other book like this.
F. Sionil Jose’s stories are on another level!
Entertaining, page turner and thought provoking
F. Sionil Jose’s stories are on another level!
Entertaining, page turner and thought provoking
April 12, 2013
Waltz is my favourite. The concept of forbidden and 'never-ending love' was very touchy for me back when I was waaay younger, nevertheless, Waltz is still my favourite. The first time I read this, my chest ached for all the perturbed emotions that were built from the first sentence up to the very last words of the short story.
This whole collection is, matter of fact, worth reading. :)
This whole collection is, matter of fact, worth reading. :)
August 10, 2013
its awesome
January 14, 2024
F. Sionil José and this book were unexpected pleasures in my reading journey this 2024. Immediately with "Puppy Love," I was introduced to the Filipino short story at its finest: simple, sweet, poignant, charming, and with a cutting social commentary too. (Do not be deterred by the long explanatory paragraphs; they work well even when they shouldn’t; have patience.) At their best, José's characters are realistic, relatable, and easy to empathize and sympathize with. His stories too are digestible and page-turning. Unfortunately, not all stories are equal: At their worst, they can be dull, boring, and, to me, seemingly uneventful (I refer to “The Machine,” “No Escape,” “The Wind’s Will,” “The Other Forest,” and “The Letters”), although ALL can boast beautiful writing and attention-grabbing prose.
Whilst reading this volume, I made it my practice to write short reviews and give basic ratings for each story. Among them, the following are my favorites with brief notes on each:
"Twilight" (9.5/10)—the tale of an old woman trying to maintain her quickly deteriorating small business with the help of her young, disinterested granddaughter. Alas, age has caught up with her, and a harsh reality sets in, and yet, one last hope—a sudden large order by a respected client—remains. This story demonstrates José's uncanny ability to get the reader to so clearly see his characters' pasts through the aches of their present. It's such a good, melancholic tale.
"Waltz" (9/10)—the tale of two people who CANNOT love one another but still painfully do. Again, José's ability to get the reader to LIVE and FEEL seemingly the entire lives of his characters—via what I like to call "assumed memories," or memories not explicitly stated, but the reader can easily assume to have happened—in only a few pages is put on full display in this story. Your heart will ache with this one.
"A Walk With My Grandson" (7.75/10)—as simple as simple can get, but it works so well: the tale of a grandfather going on a walk with his grandson (exactly as the title suggests). What makes this one so good, however, is the constant contrasts and comparisons drawn between the present childhood of the grandson and the past childhood of the grandfather. The former lives a life of privilege, having traveled to all these countries at such a young age, and living in a good neighborhood in the United States. Meanwhile, the latter lived a far humbler childhood, full of wants and limitations, yet never lacking in the fun that so miraculously prevails no matter the childhood. There are no twists in this story—no big reveals or anything like that. It thrives in its simplicity.
Overall, I found the stories in this volume charming and poignant. They're like portals that can take the reader to the Philippine countryside, the nightclubs or hotels of Metro Manila, or even to the streets of America. The read was well worth it, and I will certainly be reading more F. Sionil José this year.
Whilst reading this volume, I made it my practice to write short reviews and give basic ratings for each story. Among them, the following are my favorites with brief notes on each:
"Twilight" (9.5/10)—the tale of an old woman trying to maintain her quickly deteriorating small business with the help of her young, disinterested granddaughter. Alas, age has caught up with her, and a harsh reality sets in, and yet, one last hope—a sudden large order by a respected client—remains. This story demonstrates José's uncanny ability to get the reader to so clearly see his characters' pasts through the aches of their present. It's such a good, melancholic tale.
"Waltz" (9/10)—the tale of two people who CANNOT love one another but still painfully do. Again, José's ability to get the reader to LIVE and FEEL seemingly the entire lives of his characters—via what I like to call "assumed memories," or memories not explicitly stated, but the reader can easily assume to have happened—in only a few pages is put on full display in this story. Your heart will ache with this one.
"A Walk With My Grandson" (7.75/10)—as simple as simple can get, but it works so well: the tale of a grandfather going on a walk with his grandson (exactly as the title suggests). What makes this one so good, however, is the constant contrasts and comparisons drawn between the present childhood of the grandson and the past childhood of the grandfather. The former lives a life of privilege, having traveled to all these countries at such a young age, and living in a good neighborhood in the United States. Meanwhile, the latter lived a far humbler childhood, full of wants and limitations, yet never lacking in the fun that so miraculously prevails no matter the childhood. There are no twists in this story—no big reveals or anything like that. It thrives in its simplicity.
Overall, I found the stories in this volume charming and poignant. They're like portals that can take the reader to the Philippine countryside, the nightclubs or hotels of Metro Manila, or even to the streets of America. The read was well worth it, and I will certainly be reading more F. Sionil José this year.
April 4, 2021
Is it fair to write what you think about the book even if two years have lapsed since the time you finished reading it?
This book was our book read in Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books in December 2019. We went to Solidaridad Bookstore and interviewed the 95-year old National Artist F. Sionil Jose. The interview lasted for almost 3 hours and had it not for his wife who said that it was Jose's bedtime, the interview could have lasted on and on.
Out of those 3 hours we might have talked about the book for just 30 minutes. Jose diverted the discussion to politics, arts and asked us questions about what we thought of this and that personality. Or what we thought could be the solutions to the ills of the society from economy, government, moral standards, etc. I always enjoy listening to the wisdom of older people especially from an octogenarian or nonagenarian. Especially from an astute author who still is very much aware of what's going on around him. Especially from a national artist for literature.
That brings me to what I think about the book. To be honest, I could no longer remember even a single story when I picked up this from a stack of read-but-still-to-be-reviewed books. That tells me that the 14 stories here are forgettable. F. Sionil did not want to discuss about the stories. And two years are too short for me not to remember anything. I had to scan and read a few dialogues for me to recall the plot of tsome of the stories like "Puppy Love" about childhood friends with the girl turning into a prostitute during the war, "The Letters" about a lady teacher assigned to teach in the province and "A Walk with My Grandson" that reminded me of Jose Garcia Villa's "A Footnote to Youth." That Villa's short story I read in four decades ago but I still vividly remember the story. That's why I said that the stories are forgettable.
Nevertheless, I understand why some readers younger than me liked this book very much. The narration is simple and easy to read and the stories are believable. However, the book doesn't have the complex and unforgettable characters that are in his Rosales saga. Still, "2 stars" in Goodreads still mean that "it was OK".
This book was our book read in Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books in December 2019. We went to Solidaridad Bookstore and interviewed the 95-year old National Artist F. Sionil Jose. The interview lasted for almost 3 hours and had it not for his wife who said that it was Jose's bedtime, the interview could have lasted on and on.
Out of those 3 hours we might have talked about the book for just 30 minutes. Jose diverted the discussion to politics, arts and asked us questions about what we thought of this and that personality. Or what we thought could be the solutions to the ills of the society from economy, government, moral standards, etc. I always enjoy listening to the wisdom of older people especially from an octogenarian or nonagenarian. Especially from an astute author who still is very much aware of what's going on around him. Especially from a national artist for literature.
That brings me to what I think about the book. To be honest, I could no longer remember even a single story when I picked up this from a stack of read-but-still-to-be-reviewed books. That tells me that the 14 stories here are forgettable. F. Sionil did not want to discuss about the stories. And two years are too short for me not to remember anything. I had to scan and read a few dialogues for me to recall the plot of tsome of the stories like "Puppy Love" about childhood friends with the girl turning into a prostitute during the war, "The Letters" about a lady teacher assigned to teach in the province and "A Walk with My Grandson" that reminded me of Jose Garcia Villa's "A Footnote to Youth." That Villa's short story I read in four decades ago but I still vividly remember the story. That's why I said that the stories are forgettable.
Nevertheless, I understand why some readers younger than me liked this book very much. The narration is simple and easy to read and the stories are believable. However, the book doesn't have the complex and unforgettable characters that are in his Rosales saga. Still, "2 stars" in Goodreads still mean that "it was OK".
March 16, 2018
FSJ's strengths as a novelist are distilled and purified in his short stories. They are as potent as his longer works. While not every story resonated with me, the ones that did gave me pause and made me sit and think a while: Puppy Love, The Other Forest, Waltz, A Walk With My Grandson, and Walking on Fire. The first three I enjoyed because I am a romantic, the fourth because it was touching, and the fifth because it reminded me of Nick Joaquin's use of the folkloric in magical realism. FSJ's "children's stories for adults" are, I assume, retellings of Filipino fables; if they are, he gives them a fresh and timeless sense that teaches an adult well. I can devour an FSJ novel but going through his short stories in such a way allows his talents across genres to be showcased.
June 15, 2021
I've been wanting to read this since 2018. 3 years later here I am. I do not know much about politics, all I know is I do like F. Sionil José's literature. I like the prose, although not as much. Sometimes the sentences are, hmm how should I say this, unnecessarily complicated? But I guess this has to do with the types of books I've been reading and have grown quite accustomed to?
Had I read this at the time, when I was scouring the internet for a copy of this book, maybe I would have not given it 2 stars. I feel like I have outgrown this (?) Idk. I liked some stories, the first and last ones, the middle fell a bit short for me. I liked: Puppy love, Waltz, A walk with my grandson, Dream Videos and The Molave and the Orchid.
Had I read this at the time, when I was scouring the internet for a copy of this book, maybe I would have not given it 2 stars. I feel like I have outgrown this (?) Idk. I liked some stories, the first and last ones, the middle fell a bit short for me. I liked: Puppy love, Waltz, A walk with my grandson, Dream Videos and The Molave and the Orchid.
August 14, 2024
- direct, easily digestible prose (considering the target audience are Filipinos too, it's a good thing he doesn't overcomplicate his language. yet it doesn't lose its spark and beauty)
- 90% of the time, a story sticks itself strongly to me after finishing. the themes and moods are set so well
- thought provoking, touches on a lot of relevant issues on existence and society
- my first filipino book so im prolly biased and i have nothing to compare it to, but the Philippine setting is represented well
- puppy love, overly passionate love, toxic love, forbidden love, unrequited love, family love, love love love!!! i love love. and written in detailed filipino contexts, what more could i ask for?
- gets philosophical (entices philosophical reflection) sometimes so hehehehehe
- 90% of the time, a story sticks itself strongly to me after finishing. the themes and moods are set so well
- thought provoking, touches on a lot of relevant issues on existence and society
- my first filipino book so im prolly biased and i have nothing to compare it to, but the Philippine setting is represented well
- puppy love, overly passionate love, toxic love, forbidden love, unrequited love, family love, love love love!!! i love love. and written in detailed filipino contexts, what more could i ask for?
- gets philosophical (entices philosophical reflection) sometimes so hehehehehe
November 4, 2023
3.5*. F. Sionil Jose's prose is written wonderfully. Especially when it comes to describing rural settings and foliages. I just don't like the way he writes characters. Some men in this book are terrible: entitled incels, cheaters, and even a rapist or two. Of course, there have been a share of horrible women (as seen in "The Female Principle") but it's novel because they steer away from the damsel-in-distress archetype. Fuck men tho. Couldn't care less if these are meant to mirror society from ages ago, I found it unpleasant to witness them.
June 21, 2024
I really loved the following titles of this book:
1. Puppy Love - nothing beats the innocence and purest form of love and emotions of a puppy love;
2. The Female Principle - the life of the unborn cannot be disregarded.
3. Knowledge - the poor is delirious to think he is friends with the rich who sustains him with money in exchange for the poor’s service.
4. A Walk with My Grandson - build generational wealth
5. Endings: Twilight - “Everything grows old and useless and falls someday”
6. Trees: Dilapawen
7. Trees: The Molave and The Orchid
1. Puppy Love - nothing beats the innocence and purest form of love and emotions of a puppy love;
2. The Female Principle - the life of the unborn cannot be disregarded.
3. Knowledge - the poor is delirious to think he is friends with the rich who sustains him with money in exchange for the poor’s service.
4. A Walk with My Grandson - build generational wealth
5. Endings: Twilight - “Everything grows old and useless and falls someday”
6. Trees: Dilapawen
7. Trees: The Molave and The Orchid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2019
This is a book of charming short stories that evoke the Philippines with every image. Most are set in the Philippines, though at least one reflects the diaspora in the U.S.. The author captures the poverty, the resentment of colonialism and the class system that are vivid in the Philippine experience. My last sentence is a statement; these stories are an evocation.
May 3, 2021
F Sionil’s writing evokes picturesque sceneries in the mind and captures feelings of nostalgia for me. He takes the reader on a ride with his characters by letting us readers understand the emotions the characters go through. The commentary on the environment they belong to, the emotions they’ve felt due to events— these all come together with how masterful F Sionil crafts his stories.
Read
September 20, 2019Educational purposes
Read
October 2, 2019goodf
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2020
DNF. So boring.
October 4, 2023
will edit once i remember the title of my fav short story here🤝
July 26, 2020
I’ll remember this book for having some of the most satisfying endings I have ever read.
Read
October 11, 2024I read this after “Sin” (3 stars) due to the Cobello references in two different short stories, but let me comment about the third unrelated tale that I read: “The Female Principle.” I was so perplexed.
What on Earth was that?? 😭 So, this Dodo bird went from a gigolo, to a kept man, to an irresponsible cowardly live-in partner, to an ENTITLED “lover” of a prostitute before committing his ultimate crime of passion. Honestly, this story did not give a comprehensive characterization to the women, leaving its intro half baked. Would it be better if this was not a short story but a novella at least?
What on Earth was that?? 😭 So, this Dodo bird went from a gigolo, to a kept man, to an irresponsible cowardly live-in partner, to an ENTITLED “lover” of a prostitute before committing his ultimate crime of passion. Honestly, this story did not give a comprehensive characterization to the women, leaving its intro half baked. Would it be better if this was not a short story but a novella at least?
December 7, 2014
#54 of 2014
Binuo nito ang taon ko. Ang sarap basahin. Teka lang ranting 'to ha. Wag umasa ng profound at pa-deep na review kase layman lang naman ako. Wahaha.
Yung choice of words. Yung way ng pagku-kwento. Sobrang ugh. Kada tapos ng isang short story sobrang emotional ko sa sobrang ganda haha.
May mga nakakagulat. May mga unexpected sobra ang ending. Galing talaga. Fan girl na niya ko.
Female principle ang pinaka-gusto kong short story. :-)
Binuo nito ang taon ko. Ang sarap basahin. Teka lang ranting 'to ha. Wag umasa ng profound at pa-deep na review kase layman lang naman ako. Wahaha.
Yung choice of words. Yung way ng pagku-kwento. Sobrang ugh. Kada tapos ng isang short story sobrang emotional ko sa sobrang ganda haha.
May mga nakakagulat. May mga unexpected sobra ang ending. Galing talaga. Fan girl na niya ko.
Female principle ang pinaka-gusto kong short story. :-)
July 26, 2016
Puppy Love and the other short stories is a good way of familiarizing yourself with F. Sionil Jose's writing style.
I recommend reading these stories first before the big move to the Rosales Saga Novels.
I recommend reading these stories first before the big move to the Rosales Saga Novels.
October 19, 2022
My first F. Sionil Jose
May 14, 2015
This is the first time i read a book written by a Filipino author.. Surprisingly, i loved it!
Had to create a book review out of this book.
My favorite is Puppy Love and Female Principle!
Had to create a book review out of this book.
My favorite is Puppy Love and Female Principle!
Read
January 8, 2017kkk
September 17, 2014
should finish this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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