How my brother Leon brought home a wife, and other stories

by Manuel Estabillo Arguilla

I knew she was struggling to get loose from the arms of the man

Genres: Short Stories

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is what you would call an example of a plotless story and I understand why many would think it’s a dull read. It’s like a simple narrative of exactly the title:How Baldo’s brother brought home a wife. The strength of this short prose however is its evocative writing, vivid imageries and lush depiction of the Ilocano culture. It also shows how a sophisticated, city girl could adapt to the rural ways and setting all in the eyes of Leon’s younger brother who looks up to his older brother and who approves of his choice of a woman to marry. Brotherly affection is another strong cultural trait especially among Ilocanos.

[Arianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

My favorite part in a book is the ending since its usually a conclusion to the story or a cliff hanger that leaves your mouth wide open, but this book... had the worst ending ever! There was no point to the entire story but the journey from one place to another. The ending did not answer any questions that were asked by the characters in the story. It just ended with them arriving in their destination, while I was expecting a little more dialogue from the father. Not exactly wroth reading till the end.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of iloko's best!

[Cali · Rating 1 out of 5]

I also didn't like this story. It was confusing and had no relevance whatsoever. There didn't even seem to be a proper story. All the characters stayed the same until the end, there was no change - even the slightest - that occurred in the characters.

[Karren Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, I think baldo just describing maria's attitude when they were along the way home.

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

the book is so boring i don't like it.

[Kara Amethyst]

ok

[Cieline Angcao · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to read this now badly

[Alex Cinco · Rating 5 out of 5]

xcbfg

[Lyza · Rating 5 out of 5]

One further layer of Manuel Arguilla's genius comes from the way how one theme weaves its way through the prologue is the description of nature, the art of noticing things. I genuinely love this book even though there is no big plot in this book—it is simply a portrayal of how a city girl chose to live her life in province with the love of her life, the magic, ironically ,lies in the mundanity of their union. What made my heart dance with great pleasure and comfort was the last line that said " and her fragrance was smelled all through out the house" because it does not literally mean that she was smelled in the house but she was accepted by them.

[Toledo Villajuan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All

[Kenn Aquino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to know what happened next to Leon and Maria with their Father.

[Angela Lising]

How my brother leon brought home a wife

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Reminded me of my crush. :)

[Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

simple yet profound.

[Justine Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Althea Padernal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is good

[Skye Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

what??????????????))???

[Reina Tejada]

it IS QUITE INTERESTING. PHILIPPINE LITTERATURE

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice story

[Freezygirl_102891yahoo.com]

rt

[Corinne Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason I read this is because of our subject Philippine Literature.
Anyway, it's nice

[Molin Millares · Rating 5 out of 5]

good