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The House on Calle Sombra
‘Eye of a journalist, prose of a poet, an exotic tale delicately weaving a nation’s history with a family’s unravelling. A rags-to-riches parable, in an unfamiliar and evocatively recalled landscape, festooning the reader in garlands of uncanny self-realisation.’
-Nic Robertson, International Diplomatic Editor, CNN
‘Marga Ortigas has written a stellar, soaring, gut-crunching multi-generational tale that is certain to set on edge the teeth of Manila’s great and good. Like the tunnels in the book, this will take you into a world behind the curtain, revealing the universal truths concealed behind jewels, privilege and power.’
-Sheila Macvicar, Emmy, Peabody and duPont Award-winning international journalist
Ortigas is as well-measured as she is compelling in depicting the Castillos’ ‘original sin’ as she seamlessly navigates the conceits and schemes of the Filipino elite across the time span of three generations.
-Javier Sicilia, Award-winning Mexican poet, novelist, and social activist, founder of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity against the crime and violence of Mexico’s drug war
PORTRAIT OF A MIXED RACE FAMILY GRAPPLING WITH IDENTITY AND BETRAYAL IN A TURBULENT TROPICAL ISLAND NATION
The House on Calle Sombra follows the fates and fortunes of the esteemed Castillo de Montijo family over three generations. Set in the Philippines—a tropical island nation where truth blends with fiction—none of the Castillos is quite as perceived. Successful patriarch Don Federico arrived from Spain a penniless orphan. Formidable matriarch Doña Fatimah is a native Muslim fugitive. And their brood of privileged descendants is struggling to live up to their famed and crested FAMILY FIRST.
Mirroring events in the country’s turbulent history, the Castillos’ perfect façade begins to fracture as shadows from their past return to claim their due.
Sardonic, witty, and brutally frank, The House on Calle Sombra is an ode to family, and a compelling exploration of how greed, love, and trauma are passed down through generations.
-Nic Robertson, International Diplomatic Editor, CNN
‘Marga Ortigas has written a stellar, soaring, gut-crunching multi-generational tale that is certain to set on edge the teeth of Manila’s great and good. Like the tunnels in the book, this will take you into a world behind the curtain, revealing the universal truths concealed behind jewels, privilege and power.’
-Sheila Macvicar, Emmy, Peabody and duPont Award-winning international journalist
Ortigas is as well-measured as she is compelling in depicting the Castillos’ ‘original sin’ as she seamlessly navigates the conceits and schemes of the Filipino elite across the time span of three generations.
-Javier Sicilia, Award-winning Mexican poet, novelist, and social activist, founder of the Movement for Peace with Justice and Dignity against the crime and violence of Mexico’s drug war
PORTRAIT OF A MIXED RACE FAMILY GRAPPLING WITH IDENTITY AND BETRAYAL IN A TURBULENT TROPICAL ISLAND NATION
The House on Calle Sombra follows the fates and fortunes of the esteemed Castillo de Montijo family over three generations. Set in the Philippines—a tropical island nation where truth blends with fiction—none of the Castillos is quite as perceived. Successful patriarch Don Federico arrived from Spain a penniless orphan. Formidable matriarch Doña Fatimah is a native Muslim fugitive. And their brood of privileged descendants is struggling to live up to their famed and crested FAMILY FIRST.
Mirroring events in the country’s turbulent history, the Castillos’ perfect façade begins to fracture as shadows from their past return to claim their due.
Sardonic, witty, and brutally frank, The House on Calle Sombra is an ode to family, and a compelling exploration of how greed, love, and trauma are passed down through generations.
388 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2021
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424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 29, 2024
An absolutely riveting family soap opera set against a fictionalized backdrop of Philippine history: specifically World War II, Martial Law, the economic crises of the 2000s and the 2010s, and Duterte's presidency. I enjoyed it immensely!
However, I would not recommend reading this unless you're already familiar with Filipino culture and history. 😅 The author sometimes exaggerates Filipino social conventions, politics, and cultural beliefs as a narrative tool to criticize the apathy and greed of those in power, and although I appreciated that the author didn't dumb anything down and trusted in her readers to recognize allegories, I just want to get this out there: the book is explicitly a parable.
Written with cutting, powerful prose, The House on Calle Sombra provides biting social commentary and a damn good story.
However, I would not recommend reading this unless you're already familiar with Filipino culture and history. 😅 The author sometimes exaggerates Filipino social conventions, politics, and cultural beliefs as a narrative tool to criticize the apathy and greed of those in power, and although I appreciated that the author didn't dumb anything down and trusted in her readers to recognize allegories, I just want to get this out there: the book is explicitly a parable.
Written with cutting, powerful prose, The House on Calle Sombra provides biting social commentary and a damn good story.
July 2, 2022
[3.5] - What if the unfulfilled is all there was?
The House on Calle Sombra is as much a reflection on Philippine society as it is a reflection on its author Marga Ortigas and her journalistic background.
Akin to newswriting’s best practices, Ortigas’ prose is extremely vivid while notably succinct, a quality which unveils itself in Sombra’s construction of the Castillo de Montijo family and its exposition of their generations-long triumphs and traumas; even more impressive is the author’s ability to intertwine these decades of narratives with a 101 on the distinct facets of Filipino culture, history, and society. In this vein, the parable of Calle Sombra serves as an excellent gateway to those unfamiliar, drawing up the unique ties between elite families, political force, and the other powers that be (ex. religion, patriarchy) that have ruled the Philippines for decades and will seemingly continue to do so.
But perhaps it is in this accessibility that I return from my trip to Sombra honestly wanting more. Marga Ortigas is a skilled writer with much experience telling stories for an international audience, years of practice which I felt at times manifest in her almost 1:1 recreation of modern Filipino events. I guess this is all pure subjective opinion born out of proximity to the developments described, but I was hoping for a more imagined critique on the Philippines beyond Duterte, the drug war, and the living hell we've been subjected to under his administration.
Still, at the end of the day, the trip to The House on Calle Sombra is a journey I wish for many more to partake in. I don't exactly think I was the intended audience but I still came out of the experience entertained at the novel, enthralled at its writing, and most importantly, enraged at the problems that have plagued our country from the time of Don Federico's arrival down to the age of Ricky.
The House on Calle Sombra is as much a reflection on Philippine society as it is a reflection on its author Marga Ortigas and her journalistic background.
Akin to newswriting’s best practices, Ortigas’ prose is extremely vivid while notably succinct, a quality which unveils itself in Sombra’s construction of the Castillo de Montijo family and its exposition of their generations-long triumphs and traumas; even more impressive is the author’s ability to intertwine these decades of narratives with a 101 on the distinct facets of Filipino culture, history, and society. In this vein, the parable of Calle Sombra serves as an excellent gateway to those unfamiliar, drawing up the unique ties between elite families, political force, and the other powers that be (ex. religion, patriarchy) that have ruled the Philippines for decades and will seemingly continue to do so.
But perhaps it is in this accessibility that I return from my trip to Sombra honestly wanting more. Marga Ortigas is a skilled writer with much experience telling stories for an international audience, years of practice which I felt at times manifest in her almost 1:1 recreation of modern Filipino events. I guess this is all pure subjective opinion born out of proximity to the developments described, but I was hoping for a more imagined critique on the Philippines beyond Duterte, the drug war, and the living hell we've been subjected to under his administration.
Still, at the end of the day, the trip to The House on Calle Sombra is a journey I wish for many more to partake in. I don't exactly think I was the intended audience but I still came out of the experience entertained at the novel, enthralled at its writing, and most importantly, enraged at the problems that have plagued our country from the time of Don Federico's arrival down to the age of Ricky.
February 20, 2023
This novel is set in Manila in the Philippines and follows three generations of the Castillo de Montijo family. Patriarch Don Federico arrives in Manila in 1937 after fleeing civil war in Spain, but soon after he arrives WWII begins, the Japanese invade Manila and Don Federico becomes a prisoner of war. During his incarceration, he meets and falls in love with Dona Fatimah, a Muslim woman who leaves her faith to marry Don Federico. Soon after the end of the war, the obsessively determined Don Federico makes his fortune and buys the house known as the Sombra. They have five children who all have their own offspring and the novel follows these three generations throughout their lives.
Race relations are explored as some shun Dona Fatimah for her Muslim background and there is tension between Muslims and Catholics. It is investigated by Ortigas in an interesting and revelatory manner. But, what I found most interesting was Ortigas' treatment of the role of women, who are used as currency in political transactions. Ortigas tells us women "must carry their burdens silently" in a time of civil and political unrest. Women are used and abused throughout this novel but Dona Fatimah is soon shown to be a strong matriarchal figure.
Political uncertainty is rife; Manila is living under martial law. Corruption is a strong theme in this novel and it was illuminating about an area often not explored. There is the erosion of liberty and civil rights and a hierarchy amongst islanders based on race or familial connections. Gangland crime is rife and censorship of authors and journalists becomes the norm. Gangland bosses become presidents and natives are accustomed to seeing human cadavers littering the island's streets. There are clashes across the islands; warlords versus rebels, crime terrorists, communists, all of which are funded by robberies, kidnappings, piracy, extortion, smuggling, drugs, even human trafficking in this intensely impoverished country. One man even says he misses the world war because at least then he knew who the enemy was. Despite all this, Don Federico makes his fortune and the Castillo de Montijo family is a powerful one.
Relationships intersect and become as labyrinthine as the network of secret passages at Sombra. Ortigas handles all these themes skilfully as war in the country is mirrored by war in the family. What will happen when the family's wealth and prestigious position in society is threatened? The law on the island is an eye for an eye and with so many grasping hands surrounding the family, how will they protect all they have built over the years? These and other concerns spiral as the book races to its eventual outcome.
I do, however, have one criticism of the book, and that is that it desperately needs a family tree or character list at the start. I ended up drawing my own to keep track of all the complex family members, especially because children were often named after their fathers and mothers, so it was very difficult to keep track.
That said, I learnt a great deal about Manila and the effects of the last 80 years on a country in political crisis and turmoil.
Race relations are explored as some shun Dona Fatimah for her Muslim background and there is tension between Muslims and Catholics. It is investigated by Ortigas in an interesting and revelatory manner. But, what I found most interesting was Ortigas' treatment of the role of women, who are used as currency in political transactions. Ortigas tells us women "must carry their burdens silently" in a time of civil and political unrest. Women are used and abused throughout this novel but Dona Fatimah is soon shown to be a strong matriarchal figure.
Political uncertainty is rife; Manila is living under martial law. Corruption is a strong theme in this novel and it was illuminating about an area often not explored. There is the erosion of liberty and civil rights and a hierarchy amongst islanders based on race or familial connections. Gangland crime is rife and censorship of authors and journalists becomes the norm. Gangland bosses become presidents and natives are accustomed to seeing human cadavers littering the island's streets. There are clashes across the islands; warlords versus rebels, crime terrorists, communists, all of which are funded by robberies, kidnappings, piracy, extortion, smuggling, drugs, even human trafficking in this intensely impoverished country. One man even says he misses the world war because at least then he knew who the enemy was. Despite all this, Don Federico makes his fortune and the Castillo de Montijo family is a powerful one.
Relationships intersect and become as labyrinthine as the network of secret passages at Sombra. Ortigas handles all these themes skilfully as war in the country is mirrored by war in the family. What will happen when the family's wealth and prestigious position in society is threatened? The law on the island is an eye for an eye and with so many grasping hands surrounding the family, how will they protect all they have built over the years? These and other concerns spiral as the book races to its eventual outcome.
I do, however, have one criticism of the book, and that is that it desperately needs a family tree or character list at the start. I ended up drawing my own to keep track of all the complex family members, especially because children were often named after their fathers and mothers, so it was very difficult to keep track.
That said, I learnt a great deal about Manila and the effects of the last 80 years on a country in political crisis and turmoil.
February 24, 2023
I was drawn in to this book for two reasons, first reason being the cover is really pretty 😍 and secondly the blurb sounded intriguing. Not my usual genre but I liked the sound of it!
I found is quite confusing for the most part. There was a lot of characters to get used to, don’t get me wrong they all had a story so it wasn’t needless characters but it was quite confusing to start with and I found the book required a lot of concentration, it’s definitely not the sort of book you can just pick up if your looking for an easy quick read. I did enjoy parts of the story though, told over three generations, this story did provide a lot of interesting situations and some good learning points too.
I found is quite confusing for the most part. There was a lot of characters to get used to, don’t get me wrong they all had a story so it wasn’t needless characters but it was quite confusing to start with and I found the book required a lot of concentration, it’s definitely not the sort of book you can just pick up if your looking for an easy quick read. I did enjoy parts of the story though, told over three generations, this story did provide a lot of interesting situations and some good learning points too.
October 31, 2025
In a book where characters appear out of thin air, have eight names, nicknames, and kids/grandkids/cousins it’s extremely hard to care what happens since you have no clue who is doing what. Coupled with all the chaos of corruption and very few redeemable moments, I dreaded picking this book up. Every chapter just made you feel grossed out (also it reminded me of the Trump administration but that’s a longer review than I’m willing to give atm). I did like the symbolism of the house slowly degrading as the family fell into disrepair. But nowhere near enough of a reason to read this. I didn’t like the writing, the plot, or the premise. Hard miss for me.
March 1, 2023
This is a tough one because I really enjoyed the book and I loved the cover which is just stunning, however, I felt like I spent most of my time utterly confused what was going on but I still was totally there for it and couldn't put it down.
The chapters were short and fast paced and were so readable, I was turning pages at the speed of light and the book was also full of twists.
I learnt a lot about the Phillipines and their culture in this book which was actually one of my favourite things about the book.
Overall I really enjoyed it I was just very confused a lot of the time
The chapters were short and fast paced and were so readable, I was turning pages at the speed of light and the book was also full of twists.
I learnt a lot about the Phillipines and their culture in this book which was actually one of my favourite things about the book.
Overall I really enjoyed it I was just very confused a lot of the time
February 22, 2023
The House On Calle Sombra follows the lives of three generations of the Castillo de Montijo family.
There were a lot of characters with a lot going on, but they were all fascinating and I was desperate to find out more about each of them. I liked most of the characters, but couldn't stand Maca. If you read the book I'm sure you'll see why!
With so many characters it was sometimes hard to follow who was who and what was what, but I persevered and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was set Manila in the Philippines and I feel like I learned quite a lot about their history, culture and politics. I didn't really know anything about this topic prior to reading.
The story was intense and kept me wanting more. I really liked the writing style and would love to read more from this author.
Overall a fantastic read 👍
PS: How pretty is the cover?!
There were a lot of characters with a lot going on, but they were all fascinating and I was desperate to find out more about each of them. I liked most of the characters, but couldn't stand Maca. If you read the book I'm sure you'll see why!
With so many characters it was sometimes hard to follow who was who and what was what, but I persevered and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was set Manila in the Philippines and I feel like I learned quite a lot about their history, culture and politics. I didn't really know anything about this topic prior to reading.
The story was intense and kept me wanting more. I really liked the writing style and would love to read more from this author.
Overall a fantastic read 👍
PS: How pretty is the cover?!
December 20, 2022
A fictionalized reimagining of our history in 3 periods; the Japanese war, martial law and war on drugs, with the 3 generations of the Castillo family living in Calle Sombra.
First impression: I know I will love this, plus a minor wish it's not action heavy(update: a lot of murders but it's not action packed). I was proven right, this is exactly what I'm looking for in filipino fiction. Our culture, our internal family conflicts, our politicians taking every opportunity they get even when it meant lives. It was ambitious. 🔥
____
Iko, a penniless Spaniard, and Fatimah, a muslim fugitive, met during the war. Tbh they were the only people I cared about. Iko's patience with Timah was everything I ask for in a relationship. And it all goes downhill when the war was over and they got rich and built this big house on Calle Sombra meant for the future generation to never worry about money.
Their love for each other has never faltered but for some reason, it was too much to be a child in Calle Sombra; from the pressure of what other people will think, wanting to join Manila's elite social class, to simply trying to live up to their family name. From a couple with a healthy relationship to this. How is it possible? Is this inevitable?
It was heartbreak after heartbreak for Iko and Timah's legacy. It just gets worse as the story progress, both for our country and for the family.
I was ready to give this a full 5 stars but it went downhill a tiny bit(so my actual rating is 4.5/5). It just wasn't the same any more without Iko and Timah (they really are the best thing I love about this book). There were too many side stories and too many characters, I still had a lot of questions. About 3/4 through, it became more about the politics and the intimidations (for the suspense). The family issues were not resolved. Maybe that's on me for expecting needing a satisfying ending.
____
I am not naive, I was not surprised that there's rape in here. I was, however, unprepared for how much. The characters are misogynistic (but the book was not really), which I feel like most men in this country still are. I'd like to know if this was a writing decision made because of how rampant it was at the time or just something for the plot?
____
I really appreciated the muslim representation with Fatimah. I wish we got to explore this side of her more but she converted when she married Iko and it never got discussed if it was a conflict for her.
As someone who grew up in Luzon, I think I never saw a good representation for muslims in PH media. It was also seen through other characters in the book how prejudiced we were to muslims, even back then. It was only through social mediatiktok that I realized they were not like the bad jokes I saw on TV growing up.
New goal: find more filipino fiction with muslim rep.
____
Wow this review was long 👀. A few more thoughts:
- The history was not accurate, it changed a lot of details which I enjoyed. It was an alternative version of our past but still as bad, it still goes back to the cycle we keep on repeating. It's like the government we have now is inevitable. ☹️
- a little cringe, reading about our recent president. It was like how embarrassing it is to see social media lingo in books. It was all still very fresh.
- I've been fascinated with the Spanish language lately (colonized things 💅🏼). For some reason it was fun to read the Spanish terms/expressions mixed in english books. And this one had that on top of our own languages it was so good👌🏼
- What makes this a parable? The only explanation I can think of was the very promising life for Iko and Timah's children turned sour.
First impression: I know I will love this, plus a minor wish it's not action heavy
____
Iko, a penniless Spaniard, and Fatimah, a muslim fugitive, met during the war. Tbh they were the only people I cared about. Iko's patience with Timah was everything I ask for in a relationship. And it all goes downhill when the war was over and they got rich and built this big house on Calle Sombra meant for the future generation to never worry about money.
Their love for each other has never faltered but for some reason, it was too much to be a child in Calle Sombra; from the pressure of what other people will think, wanting to join Manila's elite social class, to simply trying to live up to their family name. From a couple with a healthy relationship to this. How is it possible? Is this inevitable?
It was heartbreak after heartbreak for Iko and Timah's legacy. It just gets worse as the story progress, both for our country and for the family.
I was ready to give this a full 5 stars but it went downhill a tiny bit
____
I am not naive, I was not surprised that there's rape in here. I was, however, unprepared for how much. The characters are misogynistic (but the book was not really), which I feel like most men in this country still are. I'd like to know if this was a writing decision made because of how rampant it was at the time or just something for the plot?
____
I really appreciated the muslim representation with Fatimah. I wish we got to explore this side of her more but she converted when she married Iko and it never got discussed if it was a conflict for her.
As someone who grew up in Luzon, I think I never saw a good representation for muslims in PH media. It was also seen through other characters in the book how prejudiced we were to muslims, even back then. It was only through social media
New goal: find more filipino fiction with muslim rep.
____
Wow this review was long 👀. A few more thoughts:
- The history was not accurate, it changed a lot of details which I enjoyed. It was an alternative version of our past but still as bad, it still goes back to the cycle we keep on repeating. It's like the government we have now is inevitable. ☹️
- a little cringe, reading about our recent president. It was like how embarrassing it is to see social media lingo in books. It was all still very fresh.
- I've been fascinated with the Spanish language lately (
- What makes this a parable? The only explanation I can think of was the very promising life for Iko and Timah's children turned sour.
June 26, 2022
This is so palpable and real-- that's the most tragic thing of all.
After having just read Zafra's Age of Umbrage, I found myself back within the walls of another great manor with Ortigas' The House on Calle Sombra.
Sombra tells our gritty Philippine history and gruesome current events from romantic lenses of an epic parable.
I could not help but see the matriarch, Fatima(h), as a metaphor for our own Inang Bayan. Fugitive and disowned in her own land, forced to perform and transform for her oppressors. Rebuilding her life around that of her beloved, denying her past as it persists to haunt her and her children.
Don Federico also a metaphor for the "good" we assimilated from colonization? Our Christian faith in faithful marriage with our ancestral mysticism and family core values?
Yet, despite and in spite of all Fatima and Federico's good and noble intentions, their progeny all inherit the secrets, trauma, baggage, and horrors they were supposed to be walled-off from.
I see my self reading this again to look for more easter eggs I might have missed. Also because I still have so many questions. What is the significance of all the geckos? Given that it is presented as a parable, what is the moral lesson? The only way to survive is to leave Sombra? How do we break this desperate cycle? Or are we doomed to keep repeating our historical mistakes over and over?
The more questions, the more stars. Well worth over five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After having just read Zafra's Age of Umbrage, I found myself back within the walls of another great manor with Ortigas' The House on Calle Sombra.
Sombra tells our gritty Philippine history and gruesome current events from romantic lenses of an epic parable.
I could not help but see the matriarch, Fatima(h), as a metaphor for our own Inang Bayan. Fugitive and disowned in her own land, forced to perform and transform for her oppressors. Rebuilding her life around that of her beloved, denying her past as it persists to haunt her and her children.
Don Federico also a metaphor for the "good" we assimilated from colonization? Our Christian faith in faithful marriage with our ancestral mysticism and family core values?
Yet, despite and in spite of all Fatima and Federico's good and noble intentions, their progeny all inherit the secrets, trauma, baggage, and horrors they were supposed to be walled-off from.
I see my self reading this again to look for more easter eggs I might have missed. Also because I still have so many questions. What is the significance of all the geckos? Given that it is presented as a parable, what is the moral lesson? The only way to survive is to leave Sombra? How do we break this desperate cycle? Or are we doomed to keep repeating our historical mistakes over and over?
The more questions, the more stars. Well worth over five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 2, 2023
I plan to read a lot of Filipiniana or Asian authored books this 2023 and I started with this one. Honestly, the story is nicely settled in the FIlipino historical diaspora. I think in a non-Filipino should read this book with a grain of salt, the story (in my opinion) highly fictionalized and re-dated certain contemporary events in Philippine history. There are certain Filipino personalities a Filipino or a reader well-versed in Philippine current events could highly recognized like President Marasigan. But, redating certain events could even confuse readers. Moreover, this a fiction novel and anyone with commonsense would take this lightly.
Anyways this is about the Castillo de Montijo family, a story from their rise and downfall but reading it all I could notice is the attempt of the author to deliver, in a story, the contemporary history of the what the author calls 'The Islands.'
If I am to talk about my personal experience with the book, it has the same vibes as the Classics I have read, slow moving overly complicated storyline. Each chapter of the books jumps from one period to another or sometimes mid-chapter it changes periods and I am not such a fan of those. Like the Classics, there were characters entering mid-plot and honestly, I am fan of those for it adds that 'wow' factor in a book. I often found myself dragging to finish the book, I do not want to dnf this.
Anyways this is about the Castillo de Montijo family, a story from their rise and downfall but reading it all I could notice is the attempt of the author to deliver, in a story, the contemporary history of the what the author calls 'The Islands.'
If I am to talk about my personal experience with the book, it has the same vibes as the Classics I have read, slow moving overly complicated storyline. Each chapter of the books jumps from one period to another or sometimes mid-chapter it changes periods and I am not such a fan of those. Like the Classics, there were characters entering mid-plot and honestly, I am fan of those for it adds that 'wow' factor in a book. I often found myself dragging to finish the book, I do not want to dnf this.
February 4, 2023
A really head scratching book that left me confused most of the time. There are A LOT of characters and they all have very complex stories surrounding them. If you are looking for a easy to follow story, this isn't it.
However, the characters are all very intriguing and kept me wanting to know more. A lot of the twists I had guessed in advance but when they were revealed it was still exciting.
The chapters are paced really well and I found myself flying through, reading almost 100 pages in each sitting with the book.
There are some situations brought in that serve no purpose, Dito's secrets, the night before/morning of the funeral with Ricky, the Posoy Dos among others.
The ending felt quote unsatisfactory too, while it wrapped up one situation I felt like I still had so much unanswered.
The setting was really interesting and I particularly enjoyed the time set during the war with Fatimah. I learned a lot about the Philippines that I had no idea previously.
This may not seem like a particularly positive review but despite all this I actually really did enjoy the book, its not my usual go-to but I thought it was written well and kept me wanting more.
However, the characters are all very intriguing and kept me wanting to know more. A lot of the twists I had guessed in advance but when they were revealed it was still exciting.
The chapters are paced really well and I found myself flying through, reading almost 100 pages in each sitting with the book.
There are some situations brought in that serve no purpose, Dito's secrets, the night before/morning of the funeral with Ricky, the Posoy Dos among others.
The ending felt quote unsatisfactory too, while it wrapped up one situation I felt like I still had so much unanswered.
The setting was really interesting and I particularly enjoyed the time set during the war with Fatimah. I learned a lot about the Philippines that I had no idea previously.
This may not seem like a particularly positive review but despite all this I actually really did enjoy the book, its not my usual go-to but I thought it was written well and kept me wanting more.
March 6, 2023
The story is very interesting with the different culture dynamics due to the colonizations from different countries. The story focuses on the Castillos family and each member of the family including their children. The story goes back in time within the chapters to capture specific events that caused an impact in the characters life.The story also goes into the future to focus on the children as adults and their kids lives as adults. It can sometimes get confusing when the changes in time and character happens because there's no warning.
I thought the story was interesting especially all the family drama and secrets that everyone's hiding. It also provides you a view of the country especially the government and society from the time of Federico Sr to his grandson Ricky.
** Thank you so much to @lovebookstours @margaortigas & @penguinbookssea for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the story was interesting especially all the family drama and secrets that everyone's hiding. It also provides you a view of the country especially the government and society from the time of Federico Sr to his grandson Ricky.
** Thank you so much to @lovebookstours @margaortigas & @penguinbookssea for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2023
This book is razor sharp. It cut into me emotionally with the achingly real characters and with the incisive truths about Philippine society. Just take the first quote from one of the fictional grandchildren in the novel, "Most cultures have multiple words for things that are important to them, or prevalent in their societies. In cold, polar countries, there are numerous words for ice and snow. In tropical ones - rice and grain. Where I'm from, there are countless words for murder." Brilliant. The author doesn't pull her punches.
The book flashes between time periods to tell the story of three generations of a Spanish-Muslim-Filipino family. And their story is in itself a parable to show how a country can be like a family. I like how the author doesn't dumb down the material and trusts readers to keep up with the intricacies in the family and the timeline. The prose was poetic, bitingly funny and haunting. Plus, the cover was gorgeous.
The book flashes between time periods to tell the story of three generations of a Spanish-Muslim-Filipino family. And their story is in itself a parable to show how a country can be like a family. I like how the author doesn't dumb down the material and trusts readers to keep up with the intricacies in the family and the timeline. The prose was poetic, bitingly funny and haunting. Plus, the cover was gorgeous.
October 12, 2024
I will be honest, after I read this--which was on a bus home after our college orientation--I was just in shock and I was disappointed. Then, I got it. I might just have realized again that some books are not for enjoyment but for lessons instead. With that being said, I did not like it enough!! Apologies to the wonderful writer of this book, but I cannot have women being thrown around figuratively and literally, and that is kind of the point of being included in the book but ALSO no one has to point that out to ME (I would like to add that I read this book on my own accord so the fault is still mine).
Alright, overall though, don't we all have fearless parents who have turned into people their younger self would never recognize anymore? Fatimah, however, would probably understand her older self. I don't think she's ever had a day in her life where she felt like she was really herself after being in exile.
Alright, overall though, don't we all have fearless parents who have turned into people their younger self would never recognize anymore? Fatimah, however, would probably understand her older self. I don't think she's ever had a day in her life where she felt like she was really herself after being in exile.
March 3, 2023
Following 3 generations of the Casillo de Montijo family, The House on Calle Sombre is an intriguing novel exploring how one family deals with the triumphs and troubles that come their way - the book covers race relations, privilege, cultural differences, family & societal expectations, politics, crime and corruption...so there is plenty going on.
I did enjoy the book -I learnt lots about the Philippines and loved the cultural references, the chapters are short and the writing is fast paced, plus there are plenty of twists to navigate - however, there is a large cast of characters to try to keep track of - I think if there had been a family tree or similar at the front to use as reference it would have really helped reduce the confusion that often came from trying to remember who is who.
I did enjoy the book -I learnt lots about the Philippines and loved the cultural references, the chapters are short and the writing is fast paced, plus there are plenty of twists to navigate - however, there is a large cast of characters to try to keep track of - I think if there had been a family tree or similar at the front to use as reference it would have really helped reduce the confusion that often came from trying to remember who is who.
February 23, 2023
I instantly wanted to read this has I have a lot of friends who are from the Philippines and it's always nice to read about a different culture, and I love historical fiction books. This is based on three generations all who lived in the same house.
The chapters are short and engaging, each starting at a different timeline.
The author vividly explains the events that takes place from war and love between a Catholic and Muslim, and how the next generation unfold between the siblings. There is a lot going on with many characters and you can never run away from the past. This story offers a great depth of hurt and love.
If you are looking to explore a new culture then this is the book to read!
The chapters are short and engaging, each starting at a different timeline.
The author vividly explains the events that takes place from war and love between a Catholic and Muslim, and how the next generation unfold between the siblings. There is a lot going on with many characters and you can never run away from the past. This story offers a great depth of hurt and love.
If you are looking to explore a new culture then this is the book to read!
March 2, 2023
I have to say at the beginning I wasn't sure as there is a lot going on but once I got further into it I did enjoy it. This is a story of three generations of mixed race family all living in the same house. There are a lot of characters each with a different story, I had to go back and reread a few time. Dona Fatimah a Muslim woman who leaves her faith for love and marriage. Patriarch Don Frederico was the man she gave it up for. Each of the chapters takes you to a different timeline. The author has put a lot into telling you about the history, culture, and politics about the Philippines and even the place itself, it was nice to learn about the country, especially as I have a few friends from the Philippines
September 6, 2024
Very entertaining, with an engaging prose for the most part. The story draws you in as you get to know the disfunctional members of the Castillo family through three generations, reflecting the tumultuous modern history of the Philippines, euphemistically referred to in the book as The Islands. There are some loose ends by the end of the novel which aren’t appropriately tackled and I would have liked to have seen more depth in the character of Fatimah, the family’s matriarch. More about her struggles to reconcile Islam and Catholicism, her thoughts about her family in old age, etc. But an engaging read that I recommend! A cleverly written and sophisticated telenovela which adds political and social commentary with irony and humour.
October 12, 2022
In recent times, very rarely do hyped books live up to all the buzz, but The House On Calle Sombra deserves all the attention and love and so much more. This masterpiece from Marga Ortigas is one of the most gripping stories I've read in a long, long time. Scenes are fast-paced and filled with vivid imagery thanks to the razor-sharp writing, yet the book knows when to slow down and hit you right in the feels with a single perfectly timed word. I am just reeling - and I won't be able to see geckos the same way again.
This true gem deserves to be a classic literary piece (joining the ranks of Noli and El Fili!).
This true gem deserves to be a classic literary piece (joining the ranks of Noli and El Fili!).
December 30, 2024
Ambitious scope, but ultimately fell short on execution.
The scene-setting is vivid, and the sprawling set of characters has the potential for a good saga. However, ultimately it is just plot-driven, and at the end of the novel, nothing has changed with the characters-- no growth, no reflection, no realizations. Or maybe this is the point, that they remain blind to themselves?
I would have loved to read more about the patriarch Federico and the matriarch Fatimah, who are the most interesting characters, but they take a backseat and the novel focuses more on their one-dimensional children and grandchildren.
The scene-setting is vivid, and the sprawling set of characters has the potential for a good saga. However, ultimately it is just plot-driven, and at the end of the novel, nothing has changed with the characters-- no growth, no reflection, no realizations. Or maybe this is the point, that they remain blind to themselves?
I would have loved to read more about the patriarch Federico and the matriarch Fatimah, who are the most interesting characters, but they take a backseat and the novel focuses more on their one-dimensional children and grandchildren.
February 28, 2023
Firstly this cover is absolutely beautiful, I would definitely pick this up if I saw it on the shelf.
It took a while to get my head around all the different family members and the story jumped a bit to the different family stories and different times.
I loved the vivid descriptions of Manila and the Philippines through the ages from WWII to more recent times.
Overall an delightful read which I would recommend to anyone.
It took a while to get my head around all the different family members and the story jumped a bit to the different family stories and different times.
I loved the vivid descriptions of Manila and the Philippines through the ages from WWII to more recent times.
Overall an delightful read which I would recommend to anyone.
Want to read
July 8, 2022FILIPINO MCS SET IN THE PHILIPPINES?? I NEED THIS IMMEDIATELY
November 14, 2022
I received this from Penguin Random House SEA, check out more thoughts in this vlog: https://youtu.be/6uAVJQEL56s
August 5, 2023
Wow is all I can say.
March 14, 2024
An engrossing family soap opera set amidst a country's history. Fast-paced, concise words, highly engaging read.
February 3, 2025
2.5 stars
May 6, 2022
This book is definitely a page turner! Felt every bit of the emotions of each character. Loved everything about this book except Doña Macarena!! Read the book so you’ll know why! 😂
October 17, 2022
A family saga spanning three generations, The House on Calle Sombra depicted three key periods of Philippine history - WWII, martial law, and the war against drugs. The rise and fall of the Castillo de Montijo family is told as familiar events around them unfolded.
This is a must-read for those who love stories that brim with history, culture, politics, and family dynamics. The writing style of the author, an esteemed journalist, really shines.
The book featured a wide array of complex, distinct and diverse characters. It was an action-packed journey to unravel their motivations, live through the various tensions and witness the consequences of their pride, greed, hate and shame. And there’s also a sense of comfort found in the way these characters showed hope, love and loyalty.
Consistent with the vibes of the cover and title, expect an atmospheric and gothic backdrop to the story. Through decades, the house has been a strong symbol of the family that inhabits it. It was a symbol of wealth and power; of change and transition; of secrets long repressed; and, life and death. The gradual decline in the family manifested in the decay of the house as well.
The author writes vivid and engaging scenes and provided enlightening historical details. I am very much drawn to the war period - of how the first generation Castillos came about and struggled. And how decades after, there were parts of the past that still come haunting. The progress through history as narrated alternately with the present were clear and easy to follow and built up the intrigue.
This is a relatable and thought-provoking social commentary that for one, illustrates the interaction between a family and its society. And how within the Castillo’s large family, ambition, pride and pressure gets in the way of loyalty. Few characters were examples of how living up to norms and expectations goes against living authentically.
As for our country, there were wins and there were losses - at great costs. Generations before us may have paved paths. It took a lot of pain from a lot of people to gain and keep our democracy and freedom. How do we craft the story that the future generation will tell?
This is a book that I definitely recommend and will reread in the future. And I am going to read the next book from this author. Thank you so much for this writing this! ❤️
4.5/5
This is a must-read for those who love stories that brim with history, culture, politics, and family dynamics. The writing style of the author, an esteemed journalist, really shines.
The book featured a wide array of complex, distinct and diverse characters. It was an action-packed journey to unravel their motivations, live through the various tensions and witness the consequences of their pride, greed, hate and shame. And there’s also a sense of comfort found in the way these characters showed hope, love and loyalty.
Consistent with the vibes of the cover and title, expect an atmospheric and gothic backdrop to the story. Through decades, the house has been a strong symbol of the family that inhabits it. It was a symbol of wealth and power; of change and transition; of secrets long repressed; and, life and death. The gradual decline in the family manifested in the decay of the house as well.
The author writes vivid and engaging scenes and provided enlightening historical details. I am very much drawn to the war period - of how the first generation Castillos came about and struggled. And how decades after, there were parts of the past that still come haunting. The progress through history as narrated alternately with the present were clear and easy to follow and built up the intrigue.
This is a relatable and thought-provoking social commentary that for one, illustrates the interaction between a family and its society. And how within the Castillo’s large family, ambition, pride and pressure gets in the way of loyalty. Few characters were examples of how living up to norms and expectations goes against living authentically.
As for our country, there were wins and there were losses - at great costs. Generations before us may have paved paths. It took a lot of pain from a lot of people to gain and keep our democracy and freedom. How do we craft the story that the future generation will tell?
This is a book that I definitely recommend and will reread in the future. And I am going to read the next book from this author. Thank you so much for this writing this! ❤️
4.5/5
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