Si (2015) | Bob Ong

This is only an expression as an observer of Bob Ong's latest material "Si"

 I was mildly surprised to see a colleague reading this new book, then I got myself a copy from national bookstore.

 This may be his best work.

 Here, Bob Ong explores themes of love. I know he's dabbled with youth/teenage love before. But nothing this mature, like the story has come-of-age.

 In a nutshell, 
You are being told of the life of a man reverse chronologically; 
as a grand parent being reunited with grand sons, and daughters;
as a husband, comforting and sharing the pains of his wife;
as a parent, raising his children;
as a couple, in a long distance relationship;
as a heartbroken suitor, trying to run away;
as a heart-breaker, trying to find his way;
as a child, running around, and this little crush from a girl during Sunday mass;
and as a son to his mother and father.

 All this parallel with bits of Philippine history at the background.

 This is some very good writing. I'm sure our past authors would have been proud.

 This is the first time, I've read a book with this format. Reverse chronological.
In a way, you'd think it would spoil the story-line since you know what happens. 
But not really, I think it amplifies that. Since you're subtly told of a context, a mystery you want to find out about, then you find out what it's about. It's quite powerful. You can keep going and going, as long as you can set up your historical settings right.

 Overall, it's a very good book. Very entertaining, well worth the time spent reading it. 

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