Conjuring possibilities and magical histories

With a distinctly hopeful—some would say overly and naively idealistic—voice, The Apothecary offers an ambiguous look at the Capitalism vs Communism issue, with good guys and bad guys at either end. When discussed like this, it must all seem particularly yawn-inducing. Thankfully, it isn’t. This story was equally heart-stopping and profound, because even with such a bleak issue at its core, it maintains its balance with bigger-than-life characters. It did not disappoint. Break my heart, it did, in the ways good stories sometimes do. But fall below my expectations, it certainly did not.

Inciting revolution through literature

Filipino readers remain largely under-served in terms of mere access, let alone language or cultural representation. As a nation that seems to keep falling in the trap of forgetfulness, my country needs books similar to this—books that will help us remember. There is power in Octavian’s story, power that draws much from Anderson’s eloquent storytelling and diligent research. There is power in Octavian’s story, because his story is also ours.

Seven candles, silver shoes

I, Coriander is basically a fairy tale, complete with your usual cast of lost princess, evil stepmother, wicked witch, and enchanted prince. For good measure though, we also have an abusive preacher, a talking raven, and lots of Puritans.