Necessity

by Mark Ticao

Necessity, no, not the mother of invention. She is neither the mother of grudge nor ill-will, neither of disdain nor despair. Necessity is the mother of Jeremy and Anthony, hailing from an old American colony struggling to find its identity. It made her the mother of resilience and hope.Jose Cañosi Baydadong, a simpleton who grew up during the height of the American colonial period, was flattered as his name sounded to local ears like the first line of The Star-Spangled Banner, so America became the center of his universe, he adored everything American, not to mention the language they introduced which he enthusiastically spoke in a manner which neither speakers nor non-speakers of the language could understand. The language was new to the land, so some words were used awkwardly, and one word - Necessity, was used as a name for Jose Cañosi Baydadong's granddaughter. Certain that the name wouldn't get the Catholic Church's nod for baptism, Jose lured the priest to a drinking binge to cloud his judgment. Necessity would have to bear her name like a cross. Jose's dream was for her to conquer America, which would be embodied by getting to the top of The Empire State Building where he said great things awaited her. Necessity would have to mother that dream, and she had to go thru a long, excruciating labor for the dream to be incarnated.The Empire State Building was a long shot from a shabby fisherman's hut in a tiny corner in the Pacific, it would be a long journey in an old American colony where love and loathing of America intertwine like matter and anti-matter, a long journey of agony and despair, but also of resilience and hope.A tribute to all mothers who place their children above anyone else in the world.

253 pages, Hardcover

Published May 25, 2024

Reviews

[Kalay]

I have yet to make sense of what I feel about this novel, and going into details will make me too emotional as it was beyond and better than I expected. As someone who was born and raised in Panay Island myself, this narrative was essential, raw, and representative of the stories from the region. I don't know if our view of grief as Panayanons is distinct to us, probably not, but it's good to read about it in actuality, layered with our poverty, the richness of our narratives, and our negotiations with our languages and identity as (post)colonized people. More of such literature needs to be read and published widely, and as such, I have told my students about it as well, some of them from Panay themselves, some in other regions. I ought to buy my own copy and read it over again soon. Kudos, Mark Ticao!

[Anthony Shieh]

“To Anthony, she is still there, always lurking, the first figure to steal scenes in his thoughts in times of jubilation and good fortune, as she plays the role of an entity who ought to receive the happy news ahead of anyone else.” – Chapter 1, Necessity

I feel fortunate that this book landed in my hands; it feels like a message from my mom in heaven. Like the author, I also lost my mother, and publishing my first book was fulfilling her final wish—a promise that I will continue to write and share my words with the world, no matter what. Mark Ticao’s "Necessity" is a beautifully reflective journey through the life of its protagonist, exploring themes of cultural heritage and personal fulfillment with heartfelt sincerity. Spanning decades and continents, the story roots itself in family traditions and dreams that shape destinies. As it unfolds through the lives of Necessity Berano and her son Anthony, it paints a vivid portrait of their struggles and triumphs in a changing world.

Ticao’s writing style is introspective yet gentle, unfolding the story gracefully, lacing together moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection as Necessity navigates the complexities of her life. The characters in "Necessity" are deeply human, each contributing to Necessity’s life with their own hopes and struggles. From her sons to the echoes of her grandfather’s ambitions, every character adds depth and resonance to the narrative. Ticao writes with nuance, probing into themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds that define their interconnected lives.

What sets "Necessity" apart is its intimate portrayal of Filipino culture and history, from World War II echoes to modern-day challenges. Ticao’s narrative voice is compassionate, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys in life amidst the complexities of familial and societal pressures and expectations.

"Necessity" is a humble yet powerful debut that celebrates the strength found in embracing one’s true self. Mark Ticao’s storytelling is sincere and evocative, offering readers a foretaste into the transformative power of resilience and hope, offering us a reminder of the enduring human spirit, making it a compelling read for those who cherish literary fiction that speaks to the heart with humility and grace. With "Necessity" now published, I can imagine Ticao’s mom dancing blissfully in heaven. This book is truly a great read!