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The Kite of Stars and Other Stories
“Blindfolded courier pigeons, insatiable appetites, overwhelming pride, toes painted blue, spooned soursop, the AsiaPac community station in geosynch orbit around the moon, love without a heart, tragedy and absurdity; stars of course, in many forms; and always, riddles. For those who like their stories rich, their wit dry and their history served with a twist, this gorgeous collection from a cynical romantic deserves a global readership. Alfar writes of many times and in many styles including the classic fairy tale, but in two ways he is a 21st century English-language-plus writer. His use of words and surprising vocabulary is so wonderfully, playfully true to meaning that he can only be an English-as-a-second-language writer (among which are the best users of English in the world today). And he writes of place with a calm assurance of its importance, not as some ethnic other than the default normal western setting, but as important in itself. I have to add that I particularly love his historical concoctions, especially the footnotes.”
— Anna Tambour, author of Spotted Lily and Monterra's Deliciosa & Other Tales
— Anna Tambour, author of Spotted Lily and Monterra's Deliciosa & Other Tales
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 16, 2015
The [over] price that I paid for this book is
so worth it
. You see, I ended up buying the last "almost damaged, but not as a sale item" copy on a kind-of high-end bookstore, because I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find another copy. But DFA made that Php xx5 amount I paid for the book worth it!!
This is an awesome book of a collection of 16 short stories of DFA. And I'm ashamed to admit that, when I initially started reading the first stories, I felt that they were too good to be written by a Filipino. In my defense, I haven't had read any other works of Filipinos, aside from that Senior HS required novel reading, and the Kikomachine komiks -- slightly because Manix is my friend, nyahaha --, until I joined Pinoy Read Pinoy Books (PRPB). :D
One of the stories I like best (if not my favorite) is MaMachine, which tells of a supporter of the National Government who is trying to determine who MaMachine is, believing that she is a terrorist and plans to destabilize the government. I really like this because the story is so full of... everything. It's funny, witty, immature, epal, and more! Basta everything. I had more notes on this short story, than the others. (Of course, I'm excited to meet DFA and listen to his thoughts of the stories! Ha!)
Hmmm, I would say this is intelligently written, and with concern.
I'm excited to meet the author!! (Oh, I think I said that already.)
I'll try to gather my thoughts, and share more valuable insights on the book [once I'm well-rested].
This is worth it!! Hahaha!
This is an awesome book of a collection of 16 short stories of DFA. And I'm ashamed to admit that, when I initially started reading the first stories, I felt that they were too good to be written by a Filipino. In my defense, I haven't had read any other works of Filipinos, aside from that Senior HS required novel reading, and the Kikomachine komiks -- slightly because Manix is my friend, nyahaha --, until I joined Pinoy Read Pinoy Books (PRPB). :D
One of the stories I like best (if not my favorite) is MaMachine, which tells of a supporter of the National Government who is trying to determine who MaMachine is, believing that she is a terrorist and plans to destabilize the government. I really like this because the story is so full of... everything. It's funny, witty, immature, epal, and more! Basta everything. I had more notes on this short story, than the others. (Of course, I'm excited to meet DFA and listen to his thoughts of the stories! Ha!)
Hmmm, I would say this is intelligently written, and with concern.
I'm excited to meet the author!! (Oh, I think I said that already.)
I'll try to gather my thoughts, and share more valuable insights on the book [once I'm well-rested].
This is worth it!! Hahaha!
January 30, 2015
My first Dean Francis Alfar book and I am really impressed. I didn't know that he is this good. This book, The Kite of Stars and Other Stories won in my book club's poll for March 2015 book so even if I am not really a sci-fi (or speculative fiction) fan, I had to read this book. I read in advance because I need to think what activity, if any, can make our face-to-face discussion or author's interview more interesting.
Among the 16 short stories included in this book, there was not a single one that I did not like. This is Alfar's first solo book (his earlier books are anthologies and he was just one of the many contributors) and when this came out in 2007 he was already a known speculative fiction writer. I think that he decided to have his own book because he has collected so many good stories from many years of contributing to anthologies. Also, he had already established himself as the authority in the local sci-fi market.
With this book, Alfar seemed to have showcased who he is as a writer. His writing styles vary from one story to another. His stories cover a whole gamut of Philippine settings: from Spanish era (in Saturdays with Fray Villalobos) to modern times (in Four-Letter Words) and even futuristic (in MaMachine and Hollow Girl). It seemed to me that Alfar can think of something to tweak or fictionize in everything that he sees or reads. In this book, he created many different out-of-this-world worlds that only people who have gargantuan imagination can think of. Many people have that, but not too many can put them in good writing to entice readers to join them into these worlds. Dean Francis Alfar is one of those few writers.
Surely, Alfar loves stars and the use of them as metaphors seems to be the unifying object for this whole collection.
Definitely, one of the best local books around and I am grateful for those members of my book club for voting for Alfar. Good job!
Among the 16 short stories included in this book, there was not a single one that I did not like. This is Alfar's first solo book (his earlier books are anthologies and he was just one of the many contributors) and when this came out in 2007 he was already a known speculative fiction writer. I think that he decided to have his own book because he has collected so many good stories from many years of contributing to anthologies. Also, he had already established himself as the authority in the local sci-fi market.
With this book, Alfar seemed to have showcased who he is as a writer. His writing styles vary from one story to another. His stories cover a whole gamut of Philippine settings: from Spanish era (in Saturdays with Fray Villalobos) to modern times (in Four-Letter Words) and even futuristic (in MaMachine and Hollow Girl). It seemed to me that Alfar can think of something to tweak or fictionize in everything that he sees or reads. In this book, he created many different out-of-this-world worlds that only people who have gargantuan imagination can think of. Many people have that, but not too many can put them in good writing to entice readers to join them into these worlds. Dean Francis Alfar is one of those few writers.
Surely, Alfar loves stars and the use of them as metaphors seems to be the unifying object for this whole collection.
To reach for the stars is a good thing. To hope against hope is better. To achieve the utterly fantastic - well, that's what the human spirit is all about, isn't it?are the best lines for me. It is inspiring as it leaves a hopeful note that despite all the tragedies (this one just this week) and job-related stress around us. Alfar seems to be telling me that hey, even if you are always stressed out and losing hope, you can always look up at night and look at the stars.
Definitely, one of the best local books around and I am grateful for those members of my book club for voting for Alfar. Good job!
August 27, 2013
Definitely out of the ordinary!
I really enjoyed this book!
With this as portal, you can traverse and encounter an unexpected journey through the collection of stories from which tells about myth, fantasy, horror, sci-fi and many more that will surely surprise you along the way plus with much flair of our history.
Every story from this has its own magic!
Dean’s work of amazing imagination and written in his picturesque language is a literary treat!
Thank you Dean Francis Alfar for making my literary journey worthwhile, through your book The Kite of Stars and Other Stories.
And also for crafting this literary masterpiece for every Filipino readers and to the world.
Rise Thank you for this treasure!
I really enjoyed this book!
With this as portal, you can traverse and encounter an unexpected journey through the collection of stories from which tells about myth, fantasy, horror, sci-fi and many more that will surely surprise you along the way plus with much flair of our history.
Every story from this has its own magic!
Dean’s work of amazing imagination and written in his picturesque language is a literary treat!
Thank you Dean Francis Alfar for making my literary journey worthwhile, through your book The Kite of Stars and Other Stories.
And also for crafting this literary masterpiece for every Filipino readers and to the world.
Rise Thank you for this treasure!
September 19, 2025
Still highly recommended after a reread.
From the outset this brought me back within the walls of my grade school classroom, evoking that excitement to lay hands on and sniff the colorful children's illustration books being peddled by publishing house reps in public schools.
Reading my first Alfar was being baptized again on Philippine tall tales and legends after not having read any for many years. This collection of imagined stories brushes on a range of genres mirroring the general temperament of Philippine society: fantasy, adventure, history, mythology, fable, romance, horror, x-rated, sci-fi.
Choosing a favorite is a matter of asking What appealed to me the most? because it caters to a range of preferences.
Notes
▻ In the early stories, as setting, Hinirang (translates to 'chosen'; also, from the Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang = Chosen Land) is used as an alternative name for the Philippines. I imagined Ciudad Meiora as the old streets of Manila. The wordplay on island provinces' names such as Palao'an (Palawan), Islas du'l Calami'an (Calamian Islands, also in Palawan), Siqui'jor (Siquijor), and many others helped paint the vivid adventures in The Kite of Stars.
Second read comment: This titular story was fancy and verbose. To this adult reader nothing of the premise made sense from inception but it went on telling it for the adventure, ending in a little melancholy. Frankly not my preferred piece.
▻ Some of my noted chapters: Saturdays with Fray Villalobos tells of proselytizing with sated appetite-turned-a ghastly fare, for the foodie; Chinoy parenting in The Dragon in the Bell; the power of leverage in How Rosang Taba Won a Race; and enchantment and the underworld in In the Dim Plane.
▻ Remember when volumes of True Philippine Ghost Stories were like cheat sheet rounding the campuses? Not the same upfront scare, more like an undercurrent—read Six from Downtown.
▻ One seemingly banal theme in a story I won't name, unsuspectingly turned out to be otherwise when a popular Philippine mythology creature paid a visit.
▻ The banner illustrations per story add ~feels~ to the writing.
*Highly recommended*
"But I thought the woman had no powers?"
"She's a woman [...] That's power enough."
From the outset this brought me back within the walls of my grade school classroom, evoking that excitement to lay hands on and sniff the colorful children's illustration books being peddled by publishing house reps in public schools.
Reading my first Alfar was being baptized again on Philippine tall tales and legends after not having read any for many years. This collection of imagined stories brushes on a range of genres mirroring the general temperament of Philippine society: fantasy, adventure, history, mythology, fable, romance, horror, x-rated, sci-fi.
Choosing a favorite is a matter of asking What appealed to me the most? because it caters to a range of preferences.
Notes
▻ In the early stories, as setting, Hinirang (translates to 'chosen'; also, from the Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang = Chosen Land) is used as an alternative name for the Philippines. I imagined Ciudad Meiora as the old streets of Manila. The wordplay on island provinces' names such as Palao'an (Palawan), Islas du'l Calami'an (Calamian Islands, also in Palawan), Siqui'jor (Siquijor), and many others helped paint the vivid adventures in The Kite of Stars.
Second read comment: This titular story was fancy and verbose. To this adult reader nothing of the premise made sense from inception but it went on telling it for the adventure, ending in a little melancholy. Frankly not my preferred piece.
▻ Some of my noted chapters: Saturdays with Fray Villalobos tells of proselytizing with sated appetite-turned-a ghastly fare, for the foodie; Chinoy parenting in The Dragon in the Bell; the power of leverage in How Rosang Taba Won a Race; and enchantment and the underworld in In the Dim Plane.
▻ Remember when volumes of True Philippine Ghost Stories were like cheat sheet rounding the campuses? Not the same upfront scare, more like an undercurrent—read Six from Downtown.
▻ One seemingly banal theme in a story I won't name, unsuspectingly turned out to be otherwise when a popular Philippine mythology creature paid a visit.
▻ The banner illustrations per story add ~feels~ to the writing.
*Highly recommended*
December 17, 2008
I enjoyed this book much, mainly for fusing together some things I love in literature: the fantastic with Philippine mythologies and history. Then again, the stories in The Kite of Stars aren’t so much “fantastic,” as much as they simply ask, “What if,” or, the stories test or play with our conventions such that we have to change the way we read, as in the story, “The Maiden and the Crocodile,” in which he inverts the narrative’s chronology. That is, he tells the ending first and we read towards the beginning, which leads us to read the story as if we were assembling a puzzle. Or he experiments with the footnote, as in “Princes of the Sultanate,” and it is in these footnotes which really do comprise the meat of the text, that he expands and embellishes upon (or speculates) their lives, dramas, betrayals, beyond the straight forward listings of names and dates.
Dean Francis Alfar is credited in a back cover blurb from Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo (my former professor) as possibly being the writer who introduced the term, “speculative fiction” to the Filipinos. I think, in terms of fusing “speculative fiction” with forays into alternate historical pasts and reinterpretations of our mythologies, this is not a far stretch. Certainly, in our becoming reacquainted with our mythologies, we learn that our pre-hispanic world views were imbued with magic, and our landscapes populated by spirits.
The stories which spoke to me the strongest were those which took place in Alfar’s land called Hinirang (you know, “Lupang Hinirang”) which is an alternate Philippine past not too much different from what we think we know from history. In the land of Hinirang, the Ispancialo conquerors view the indigenous Katao or the Indios as lazy and inferior. The Ispancialo friars preach the word of their deities, the Tres Hermanas (why not Hermanos, I wonder) to the Indios and the Tsinos, as in “Saturdays with Fray Villalobos.” There is one “fantastic” element in this story, and that is the power of the tattooed Indio priest to command the thunder, the heavens, the insects.
I don’t want to drop any spoilers, so I will end by saying that my favorite story is “Six From Downtown,” which I think is a good example of how he tweaks what we understand is “real,” such that it is just a little askew from our reality. You can read it here:
http://philippinespeculativefiction.c...
Dean Francis Alfar is credited in a back cover blurb from Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo (my former professor) as possibly being the writer who introduced the term, “speculative fiction” to the Filipinos. I think, in terms of fusing “speculative fiction” with forays into alternate historical pasts and reinterpretations of our mythologies, this is not a far stretch. Certainly, in our becoming reacquainted with our mythologies, we learn that our pre-hispanic world views were imbued with magic, and our landscapes populated by spirits.
The stories which spoke to me the strongest were those which took place in Alfar’s land called Hinirang (you know, “Lupang Hinirang”) which is an alternate Philippine past not too much different from what we think we know from history. In the land of Hinirang, the Ispancialo conquerors view the indigenous Katao or the Indios as lazy and inferior. The Ispancialo friars preach the word of their deities, the Tres Hermanas (why not Hermanos, I wonder) to the Indios and the Tsinos, as in “Saturdays with Fray Villalobos.” There is one “fantastic” element in this story, and that is the power of the tattooed Indio priest to command the thunder, the heavens, the insects.
I don’t want to drop any spoilers, so I will end by saying that my favorite story is “Six From Downtown,” which I think is a good example of how he tweaks what we understand is “real,” such that it is just a little askew from our reality. You can read it here:
http://philippinespeculativefiction.c...
December 8, 2019
3.0⭐ “Do you feel like you've wasted your life?”
**spoilers**
If you’re following my reviews, thanks for rolling with me ♡
We’re closing season four of Stitcher’s LeVar Burton Reads, and we’re gifted with "L’aquilone Du Estrellas (The Kite of Stars)" by Dean Francis Alfar.
Ugh. I was hard pressed to like this story. There was some good and bad. I love the writing, but it’s so painful.
As LeVar so kindly outlined, the optimistic part of this story is, Mission Accomplished on hard mode. There’s some commentary on love and devotion. About life’s absurdity. Timing. Aging.
But honestly, I see it as a cautionary tale. I am so afraid of being a leech in any relationship—I can’t stand the thought that I might be the only one getting anything out of it, or that I exhaust and burden the people around me instead of replenishing them.
I have more than one friend that just picks fruit off my branches, but never bothers to just say, “By the way, how are you?” I am constantly checking myself to make sure that I’m not taking more than I’m giving. I’m checking with my loved ones directly, because I may not be the best of judge of that myself.
Maria Isabella du'l Cielo is none too concerned.
Not until the final moments of a sixty-year journey, did she even consider that this did more harm than good to her cohort. I don’t think he had a demanding expectation that she fall in love with him, I think he hoped she would, but never went so far as to demand her affection. Maria didn’t have to love him, but she never even got his name. A name is identity—she took the best years from this man, and didn’t even give him the compassion of basic human friendship. All the while he gave her his life, and an impossible dream.
I just hurt for the baker’s boy. He didn’t see his life as wasted, but to me, that’s hardly the point. That’s what love does to a devotee, that’s why we call love blind. We can’t let the people who love us become Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree. There’s a fine line between accepting a service from someone, and subjugating the people that love you. And if you’re in control of your faculties, it’s your job to let them go instead of using them to death.
This story reminded me of a song by Gregory & The Hawk, and like the story, the song is tragic with a beautiful outline on hopeless devotion and personal eraser.
On a closing note, this season really flew by. I may come back to this review to list the best stories of the season, but I’m holding out in case there’s a tour or a bonus episode.
Thanks for reading, and If you wanna chat about the latest LBR episodes, hit me up in the comments and come meet with us at LeVar Burton Reads: The Community on Facebook.
- 📚☕♥
(Adding to include in goodreads challenge, Positive Comments by Owen King, Endlings by Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum, and Beach Plum Jam by Patricia G. Buddenhagen)
Toward Happy Civilization
A traveler plots an escape from a rural train station.
♛ The Best We Can by Carrie Vaughn
♚ Miracle by Tope Folarin
♜ Free Jim's Mine by Tananarive Due
♞ Toward Happy Civilization by Samanta Schweblin
♝ The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate by Ted Chiang
♟honorable mention♟Mister Hadj’s Sunset Ride By Saladin Ahmed
Combined Season Minutes: 8 hours, 46 minutes
**spoilers**
If you’re following my reviews, thanks for rolling with me ♡
We’re closing season four of Stitcher’s LeVar Burton Reads, and we’re gifted with "L’aquilone Du Estrellas (The Kite of Stars)" by Dean Francis Alfar.
Ugh. I was hard pressed to like this story. There was some good and bad. I love the writing, but it’s so painful.
As LeVar so kindly outlined, the optimistic part of this story is, Mission Accomplished on hard mode. There’s some commentary on love and devotion. About life’s absurdity. Timing. Aging.
But honestly, I see it as a cautionary tale. I am so afraid of being a leech in any relationship—I can’t stand the thought that I might be the only one getting anything out of it, or that I exhaust and burden the people around me instead of replenishing them.
I have more than one friend that just picks fruit off my branches, but never bothers to just say, “By the way, how are you?” I am constantly checking myself to make sure that I’m not taking more than I’m giving. I’m checking with my loved ones directly, because I may not be the best of judge of that myself.
Maria Isabella du'l Cielo is none too concerned.
Not until the final moments of a sixty-year journey, did she even consider that this did more harm than good to her cohort. I don’t think he had a demanding expectation that she fall in love with him, I think he hoped she would, but never went so far as to demand her affection. Maria didn’t have to love him, but she never even got his name. A name is identity—she took the best years from this man, and didn’t even give him the compassion of basic human friendship. All the while he gave her his life, and an impossible dream.
I just hurt for the baker’s boy. He didn’t see his life as wasted, but to me, that’s hardly the point. That’s what love does to a devotee, that’s why we call love blind. We can’t let the people who love us become Shel Silverstein’s Giving Tree. There’s a fine line between accepting a service from someone, and subjugating the people that love you. And if you’re in control of your faculties, it’s your job to let them go instead of using them to death.
This story reminded me of a song by Gregory & The Hawk, and like the story, the song is tragic with a beautiful outline on hopeless devotion and personal eraser.
On a closing note, this season really flew by. I may come back to this review to list the best stories of the season, but I’m holding out in case there’s a tour or a bonus episode.
Thanks for reading, and If you wanna chat about the latest LBR episodes, hit me up in the comments and come meet with us at LeVar Burton Reads: The Community on Facebook.
- 📚☕♥
(Adding to include in goodreads challenge, Positive Comments by Owen King, Endlings by Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum, and Beach Plum Jam by Patricia G. Buddenhagen)
Toward Happy Civilization
A traveler plots an escape from a rural train station.
♛ The Best We Can by Carrie Vaughn
♚ Miracle by Tope Folarin
♜ Free Jim's Mine by Tananarive Due
♞ Toward Happy Civilization by Samanta Schweblin
♝ The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate by Ted Chiang
♟honorable mention♟Mister Hadj’s Sunset Ride By Saladin Ahmed
Combined Season Minutes: 8 hours, 46 minutes
October 3, 2013
The book took me back to some of the tales I grew up with in the Philippines. Dean Francis Alfar modernized those myths and told me more stories I hadn't heard but wished I'd known as a child. Maybe I would've been a little more proud, a little more patriotic.
Every time I thought I knew where the story was going I didn't. Maybe because the characters felt a little more fallen and resigned but not without hope and definitely without remorse. I loved it.
The more nuanced take on the long term effects of colonization were refreshing because it happened and it changed us and now what. How does it affect the stories we tell each other and even our sense of identity?
With that said, some of the stories did not stick to me. That's okay, because the others linger on.
Every time I thought I knew where the story was going I didn't. Maybe because the characters felt a little more fallen and resigned but not without hope and definitely without remorse. I loved it.
The more nuanced take on the long term effects of colonization were refreshing because it happened and it changed us and now what. How does it affect the stories we tell each other and even our sense of identity?
With that said, some of the stories did not stick to me. That's okay, because the others linger on.
March 16, 2014
My first encounter with Dean Francis Alfar was with Salamanca which I enjoyed a lot. But with this collection of short stories, I am now a true fan of his works. The Kite of Stars and Other Stories is filled with overflowing awe and wonder, of worlds beyond the imagination, and a masterfully woven play of words. His artistry penetrates and resounds after every ending. This collection simply shows his limitless creativity through the unique character of each story. Exhilarating, haunting, and delightfully addicting. I'm so glad to have the honor of living in the same generation as Dean Francis Alfar.
June 14, 2015
Mindtasting!
Mindblowing!
Food for Tots! delicious Pinoy style stories!
All topics have different issues & stories that's why it enables you not to get bored. My favorites are The Maiden & The Crocodile, Six From Downtown, Into The Morning, etc. I also like some quotes about how ironic life can be.
As for me The Kite of Stars symbolizes the Ups & Downs just like a Kite that can reach as high as the wind takes it away but when it goes down surely it will take sorrows, lonelines, depression, & curse. Stars shine brightly as our hopes & dreams but its also very dark when it turns to be a dead star.
Mindblowing!
Food for Tots! delicious Pinoy style stories!
All topics have different issues & stories that's why it enables you not to get bored. My favorites are The Maiden & The Crocodile, Six From Downtown, Into The Morning, etc. I also like some quotes about how ironic life can be.
As for me The Kite of Stars symbolizes the Ups & Downs just like a Kite that can reach as high as the wind takes it away but when it goes down surely it will take sorrows, lonelines, depression, & curse. Stars shine brightly as our hopes & dreams but its also very dark when it turns to be a dead star.
August 2, 2014
This book found me! and i think it's memorable for that sole reason. the stories it held were pretty cool too! i love its wit, local mystic, and historical references. of course, the idea of a kite of stars is also winning on its own
June 20, 2014
So. Good. Seriously, I don't know why Dean isn't a global phenom yet.
January 19, 2011
Alfar skillfully weaves both Philippine history and legend into fantastic miniatures both familiar and unfamiliar. In The Kite of Stars' depths are contained entire worlds.
September 2, 2011
Read this book not too long ago. Last year, maybe. I liked it very much. The stories are quite magical.
Currently reading
January 26, 2013I have no idea about this story. Hahaha!
April 17, 2014
Alfar's stories are magical and poignant. My favorites in this collection are The Maiden and the Crocodile and The Middle Prince. I'll be sure to read his other works.
July 8, 2014
NICE ONE
December 7, 2017
I have been wanting to read Dean Francis Alfar ever since I heard about him! To be honest, I wanted to read How to Traverse Terra Incognita but the library only had The Kite of Stars. It’s a really solid collection of short stories, though, so I have no regrets!
There are 18 stories in this collection, and while I didn’t understand a few of these, I liked a lot of what I read. Some of my favourites where:
- L’Aquilone du Estrellas (The Kite of Stars): the titular story about the lengths people go to for love, which had a very sad twist ending.
- Saturdays with Fray Villalobos: a story about a priest who loves food (perhaps a bit too much), which also touches on the subject on religions.
- The Maiden and the Crocodile: Written in the style of a local legend but with the ending first. But it’s only when you get to the start that you understand the ending.
- How Rosang Taba Won a Race: a very fun story about getting the better of the colonial masters. Lots of Tagalog in this one, which is why I brought the book to Jo-Jie Jie for help. (Although you can get the gist of the story without knowing Tagalog)
- An Excerpt from Princes of the Sultanate: I like this mainly for the form because it tells a story through footnotes (and in the medium of a short story too)
What I like about these stories is how inventive they are. They all have twists in them or are a new form of a familiar topic. If you’re in the mood for short stories, you’ll probably find one to suit you here.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
There are 18 stories in this collection, and while I didn’t understand a few of these, I liked a lot of what I read. Some of my favourites where:
- L’Aquilone du Estrellas (The Kite of Stars): the titular story about the lengths people go to for love, which had a very sad twist ending.
- Saturdays with Fray Villalobos: a story about a priest who loves food (perhaps a bit too much), which also touches on the subject on religions.
- The Maiden and the Crocodile: Written in the style of a local legend but with the ending first. But it’s only when you get to the start that you understand the ending.
- How Rosang Taba Won a Race: a very fun story about getting the better of the colonial masters. Lots of Tagalog in this one, which is why I brought the book to Jo-Jie Jie for help. (Although you can get the gist of the story without knowing Tagalog)
- An Excerpt from Princes of the Sultanate: I like this mainly for the form because it tells a story through footnotes (and in the medium of a short story too)
What I like about these stories is how inventive they are. They all have twists in them or are a new form of a familiar topic. If you’re in the mood for short stories, you’ll probably find one to suit you here.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
January 22, 2023
A really diverse collection of short stories that centers the Philippines and its history/culture through a speculative lens. It was a mixed bag for me, but overall, I really enjoyed the immersive experience and the versatility of Alfar's writing.
March 11, 2019
Absolutely enjoyed every story of this collection, especially that it speaks to hearts that search for a place that it calls home, in a world where all the comforts lead to an existential discomfort.
August 15, 2020
Actual rating: 4.3/5 stars
So...my first proper encounter with Dean Francis Alfar went well. And damn, he’s good 🤯😳
Every single story in this collection was captivating (although some were more powerful than the others—Saturdays With Fray Villalobos, How Rosang Taba Won The Race, Gumamela, In The Dim Plane, Four-Letter Words, and MaMachine—hence the rating).
So...my first proper encounter with Dean Francis Alfar went well. And damn, he’s good 🤯😳
Every single story in this collection was captivating (although some were more powerful than the others—Saturdays With Fray Villalobos, How Rosang Taba Won The Race, Gumamela, In The Dim Plane, Four-Letter Words, and MaMachine—hence the rating).
June 21, 2019
Not a fan of sad stories.
September 4, 2023
"To reach for the stars is a good thing. To hope against hope is better. To achieve the utterly fantastic―well, that's what the human spirit is all about, isn't it?"
-MaMachine
I have a certain bias with this book. It was my first foray into the realm of short fiction collections and, ever since then, has made near every other piece of short fiction feel like comparing a candlewick to starlight. It's simply unfair. However, this isn't simply because of nostalgia, it really is just that damn good.
Dean Francis Alfar is basically the figurehead of the local speculative fiction scene, and, never mind all his wonderful anthological work, this collection is a great reason as to why. In this one book, he has somehow managed to create a primer on the boundless possibilities one could do with the medium, especially as Filipinos. The stories vary not only in genre (a balanced mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and even some realist stories) but also in their form (one favorite story of mine is told nearly entirely in footnotes).
In my opinion some of the best stories in the book are the titular tale "Kite of Stars", "Terminos", and "MaMachine". These three stories exemplify best the variety that I love oh so much from the collection, each is of a different genre and completely different forms. How so? I'll let the stories speak for themselves.
The only thing I can give away to any of these stories is that each is written with such wonder and oh-so-glorious whimsy. It's to the point that someone even as sci-fi adverse as I can devour those stories in this book quicker than genres I love more written by a lesser writer.
In a rather corny way, this is why I find the title so apt: each story in this collection feels like a star carefully tended to by its divine creator. In colation, all these stars form galactic splatters and constellations―each unique and ineffable in its beauty.
August 5, 2014
This collection of fiction art says it all; Dean Francis Alfar is more than a Filipino Paulo Coelho counterpart, especially when I read “L’Aquilone du Estrellas” that is all about following your dream.
He has his power envying other races as well as other human beings who read his work: cultivated, rooted in culture but has its different and original flavor, and using so-Filipino phenomena in its best especially in his “Saturdays With Fray Villalobos” which I finished in saying: How I loved to be a Filipino!
After reading How Rosang Taba Won A Race, that I have read to be the winner of the most fabulous literary “Oscar” in the Philippines, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, I can say that this children story is a modern classic and would probably deserves to be read timely. The so-called story has given the reader a patriotic and fearless Pinoy, and so the author.
The metaphor of “Hinirang”, which was the term given in the anthology as “Pilipinas” is the medium of the author to convey his visions of Philippines at its finest. The “Hinirang” is the limelight of the book.
I can say that this anthology is my favorite amongst the Filipino book in American language. Dean deserves a vast readership all over the world. Good job to Dean!
He has his power envying other races as well as other human beings who read his work: cultivated, rooted in culture but has its different and original flavor, and using so-Filipino phenomena in its best especially in his “Saturdays With Fray Villalobos” which I finished in saying: How I loved to be a Filipino!
After reading How Rosang Taba Won A Race, that I have read to be the winner of the most fabulous literary “Oscar” in the Philippines, Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, I can say that this children story is a modern classic and would probably deserves to be read timely. The so-called story has given the reader a patriotic and fearless Pinoy, and so the author.
The metaphor of “Hinirang”, which was the term given in the anthology as “Pilipinas” is the medium of the author to convey his visions of Philippines at its finest. The “Hinirang” is the limelight of the book.
I can say that this anthology is my favorite amongst the Filipino book in American language. Dean deserves a vast readership all over the world. Good job to Dean!
December 24, 2024
I remember getting into this whole collection in high school when one of my friends told me about her lit crit reading (The Kite of Stars) and the story wrecked me without having even read it yet that I rushed to read the entire thing instead of the one that was actually assigned to me. I devoured all of these stories and I may have even read them more closely than the Bible. L’Aquilone du Estrellas in particular feels like a permanent part of my psyche. I went into it prepared to be devastated by Maria Isabella and Lorenzo but it was the butcher’s boy that got me. My heart aches for all of them; everybody was always looking at something else. You could spend your life making the most elaborate kite to be hung against the night sky but you couldn’t make somebody open their eyes or look back at the life you’ve built together. You read something like that at fourteen and it changes you. I mean, I still think about it to this day. Is it weird that I’m writing about it so many years later? Who cares haha it’s been spinning around my head. I have A LOT to say about all the other stories but I’ll save it for another day.
January 5, 2015
Personally, I loved this collection of short stories by Dean Alfar. Most of his stories were set in the Philippine Colonial Period. Some of his stories were myths that are refreshed to fit most of the modern minds. For me, Alfar's works serve as a portal to a world of magic, of love, of horrors, and of myths. He is not afraid to make a hopeless prince, a gruesome princess, a lifelong unfulfilled dream or even a cannibal historian. His works might be of the magic realm, but a tinge of reality is still seen in the development of his characters. And that might just be what makes his stories work.
It's not about getting the princess or winning the race, it's about how they got through it, despite their hopelessness, their depression, the differences between their species. It's the in between's.
It's not about getting the princess or winning the race, it's about how they got through it, despite their hopelessness, their depression, the differences between their species. It's the in between's.
September 28, 2012
Dean Francis Alfar's stories transports you to other magnificent worlds of love and hate, of happiness and sorrow, of wit and boredom. Alfar's the ever great fictionist! His stories are crazily magical!
November 26, 2011
review to come...
March 1, 2015
"Now wake up and start living your life. You have too many questions."
May 20, 2017
4.5 stars
It would be a 5 stars read if not for some parts of the story "Four-Letter Words". It made me feel uncomfortable to read but I obviously love this book as evident with my high rating of it. I will certainly read this over and over again. Magic in every word. Also, I love all the shoutouts to Filipino myths, folktales and culture.
My favorite stories are:
L'Aquilone du Estrellas - MY GOODNESS! The feels.
How Rosang Taba Won the Race - so many levels of awesome. It touch relevant issues like racism, sexism and body image for such a short story.
The Middle Prince - my favorite quote from the book comes from this story: “The middle prince stared at her, wordlessly accepting the truth that sometimes kindness was redundant.” In addition to that, kindness aren't always acknowledge and it shouldn't be imho. Kindness should just be a normal everyday thing you do, not some special occurrence one does to be admired -even by yourself. (Remind to self: I shan't pat my own back when I do something remotely kind)
In the Dim Plane - would like to read a full novel of this. It's a very intriguing world. I want to know about the backstory of all the characters even the unpleasant Lord Jussin.
Disclaimer: Review is from an average pleasure reader who is not proficient in English whatsoever.
It would be a 5 stars read if not for some parts of the story "Four-Letter Words". It made me feel uncomfortable to read but I obviously love this book as evident with my high rating of it. I will certainly read this over and over again. Magic in every word. Also, I love all the shoutouts to Filipino myths, folktales and culture.
My favorite stories are:
L'Aquilone du Estrellas - MY GOODNESS! The feels.
How Rosang Taba Won the Race - so many levels of awesome. It touch relevant issues like racism, sexism and body image for such a short story.
The Middle Prince - my favorite quote from the book comes from this story: “The middle prince stared at her, wordlessly accepting the truth that sometimes kindness was redundant.” In addition to that, kindness aren't always acknowledge and it shouldn't be imho. Kindness should just be a normal everyday thing you do, not some special occurrence one does to be admired -even by yourself. (Remind to self: I shan't pat my own back when I do something remotely kind)
In the Dim Plane - would like to read a full novel of this. It's a very intriguing world. I want to know about the backstory of all the characters even the unpleasant Lord Jussin.
Disclaimer: Review is from an average pleasure reader who is not proficient in English whatsoever.
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