Here is Cecilia Brainard’s book review of Reine Arcache Melvin’s novel, The Betrayed (Ateneo 2018). http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/…/passion-in-the-time-of-…
” Reine Arcache Melvin, who has lived in Paris for years, has created a fine Filipino novel. The work is exquisitely written; the language is elegant and unpretentious. The form of her work is straightforward – we start from the beginning and continue to the end. She uses alternating points of view, which allow the readers to get into the minds of the sisters and Arturo. Melvin’s scenes and images are dark and edgy, which enhance suspense. She takes us to old and new Manila, and to the provinces of the South, with ease and clarity. She peppers her work with fascinating Philippine myths, folklore, and superstitions. Her fine depiction of Philippine society reveals the wide dichotomy between the rich and poor. Her historical references though fictionalized ring true…”
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