Mariquita - Revisited

by Chris Perez Howard

Mariquita, first published in 1982, has become the most widely read novel about the CHamoru experience during World War II on Guam. Author Chris Perez Howard chronicles his mother's vibrant life before the War, her enduring strength during the Japanese occupation of the island, and her tragic death at the end of it. He also paints a vivid picture of life on Guam during these pivotal years. For this edition, Perez Howard revisits the story and adds more details, photos, and letters. It is a continuing tribute to a mother whose legacy lives on in the memories of all who read it.

118 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Gabriella Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a CHamoru teenager and a native to Guam, it's upsetting that we aren't taught the history of our people before learning about the history of others in the western world. The reality of WWII and the tragedies of our people are so rarely talked about and shed light on. Everything our ancestors have gone through has shaped CHamorus into the strong and resilient people they are today. Mariquita's story is just one of so many that should be taught and talked about for generations to come.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful yet sobering story, particularly if you know the history of Guam leading up to and during WW2. Chris Perez Howard does an amazing job with his storytelling; the connection can truly be felt between his intent and the story being told; I had to put this book down several times as I honestly felt as if Mariquita was someone I knew; as if her family was my family and the experiences they were having were ones I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

I'm grateful to have learned so much from this book. I'm grateful that Chris was able to put his thoughts and emotions to paper, and that he was able to share this story with us all.

[Audrey Approved · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read around the world project - Guam

War (civil or global) is one of the most prevalent themes from this read-the-world project, and Mariquita - Revisited is no exception. Written by her son, this is the biography of Mariquita Perez, who was an indigenous Chamorro woman killed by the Japanese during their occupation of Guam during WW2. I knew nothing about Guam going into this book, so learning about life in 1940s Guam was both enlightening and shocking (esp. the violence and long - 2.5 year - Japanese occupation).

At only ~110 pages this is a really quick read, although I wonder if some of this biography is slightly fictionalized (in particular, there’s a lot of dialogue in quotes). I almost wonder if this story would have been more effective if Howard had written a memoir that covered his experiences learning about his mother’s life and death, rather than going with a traditional biography. I think this would have been more nuanced, because it could have included some of Howard’s own reflections.

Overall, Mariquita - Revisited was a solid read for this project. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a Guam pick!

3.5/5 stars

[Niks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the author wrote Mariquita and the other locals dialogue a little more chaud so to speak to get the feel of the time the book is set in. I dont know if it might have been from the US occupation that everyone spoke such proper english but I wanted that slang that our chamorro people are known for.

Aside from that, I love this book. I tried so hard not to finish it too quickly so I could appreciate the information and story. My grandma was born just a few months after the war and its been a few years since she's left us. This story made me yearn for another conversation with her. I have so many questions and so much to learn.

I was so happy to hear from people around me that they read this book growing up. I attended private school for most of my life and i'm really sad to say that I wasnt immersed into my culture as much as I'd like there. I only truly got the values and hospitality traits at home.

[Celia Paulino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal view of WW2 on guam. The personal perspective of the people and how they were affected and treated during the Japanese occupation.