Ermita (A Filipino Novel) [Unqualified]

Francisco Sionil Jose's Ermita exposes the hope existent within humanity. Set mainly during the pre-martial law era of the 1950s, the story takes its reader back to the arrogant world of Ermita, the former "rich district" of the Philippine Republic. Ermita Rojo, the protagonist, is brilliant and hardworking. At the same time, however, revenges and hate motivate her. Ermi's life goal was to exact revenge on her biological family: her mother, aunt and uncle. However, even after she accomplishes her goals, her developing greed prevents her from stopping. She eventually changes once she comes to a realization of her true dreams and returns to her homeland. During her stint as a prostitute, she was able to help and support the family that had once taken care of her. She became the breadwinner and provided for the children's education. However, once Macarthur, her childhood best friend and almost-brother, is able to fend for himself, he stops seeing Ermi and avoids her as much as possible. After realizing that her companion has harbors feelings of hatred towards her, she seeks him and tries to speak to him regarding their situation as well as understand the reasons for his frustration. Finally, during one scorching summer day in the polluted city of Manila, she decides to come see Mac, who is packing for a flight to Saudi Arabia scheduled that same day. She approaches Mac almost pleadingly, still regarding him with the same affection she held for him since childhood. He, however, treats her with disrespect as though she was an opportunist. "... in America, with an American husband, and American passport, lots of dollars, and you were unhappy?" (313) he tells her in a sarcastic and accusing tone. "I studied what was happening to me, asked myself questions," (313) she answers him apologetically. During their conversation, she confesses her true intentions although Macarthur refuses to believe her. After realizing that only hatred remains within the heart of her former best friend, she promises him that she will wait, while he does not answer. This book exposes the hidden hope existent within the most cynical human beings. Sionil Jose blends realistic opinion, faith and human emotion together and comes up with a delightfully tear-jerking tale. Furthermore, the accurate historical background provides the readers with more insight and reasoning regarding the characters' actions and attitudes. This book suits readers who wish to learn more about the human experience as well as the social conditions of war-struck and third world societies throughout the world.

Must read book for those who want an inside look at what life in the Philippines was like from WWII thru the Marcos years. The novel is actually about a women and not about a part of Manila. It tells the tale of a wealthy family and one illegitimate offspring. It is a story of revenge, morality, duty and wealth. Woven into the fabric of the story is the impact of America on society and culture. It keep my interest throughout and was one of those hard to put down books.