The Mysterious Woman With Two Navels: Tales of the Tropical Gothic

Prepare to be intrigued and captivated as we dive into the enchanting realm of Nick Joaquin's "The Woman Who Had Two Navels And Tales Of The Tropical Gothic." This masterpiece of Philippine literature takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through a world filled with unsettling tales and mysterious characters.

The Woman Who Had Two Navels And Tales Of The Tropical Gothic is a collection of stories that intertwine the past and present, blending realism with elements of the supernatural. Nick Joaquin, a renowned Filipino writer, crafts a narrative full of depth and complexity, inviting readers to explore the psychological depths of each character.

At the heart of this extraordinary collection is the enigmatic woman who possesses not only one but two navels. This peculiar physical attribute becomes a metaphor for the characters' struggles with identity, history, and the lingering effects of colonialism.

The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic

by Nick Joaquin (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1422 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	476 pages

FREE

Joaquin's exquisite use of language and imagery creates an eerie atmosphere that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The settings range from historical periods to contemporary Manila, evoking a sense of timelessness and blurring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

The tales within this collection delve into the depths of human desires and fears. Joaquin skillfully explores themes of love, betrayal, power, and the search for meaning. With each page turned, readers are drawn further into a web of intricate relationships and dark secrets.

One of the standout stories is "May Day Eve," a haunting tale set in the late 19th century. It follows the interwoven lives of two women, Doña Agueda and Agueda's daughter, an innocent young girl named Agueda. Through a supernatural encounter during a May Day celebration, the story explores the complexities of love, illusion, and regret.

Another notable story is "The Legend of the Dying Wanton," which showcases Joaquin's mastery of blending folklore and reality. In this tale, a young woman named Aling Elisa becomes the subject of fascination for a group of men who are both drawn to and repulsed by her. As the story progresses, darker secrets begin to unravel, leading to an unexpected .

Joaquin's ability to craft multi-dimensional characters is truly remarkable. From the mysterious woman with two navels to the tormented protagonist in "The Summer Solstice," each character is given a distinct voice and presence that lingers long after the book is closed.

The Woman Who Had Two Navels And Tales Of The Tropical Gothic is more than just a collection of stories; it is a reflection of the complexities of Philippine history and society. Joaquin brings to life the contradictions and struggles faced by the Filipino people, navigating issues of identity, assimilation, and post-colonial trauma.

With its rich symbolism, intricate narratives, and thought-provoking themes, this collection continues to resonate with readers today. The Woman Who Had Two Navels And Tales Of The Tropical Gothic is a literary gem that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling, immersing readers in a mesmerizing world of mystery and intrigue.

So, prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of Nick Joaquin's masterpiece. Discover the secrets hidden within the woman with two navels and the captivating tales of the tropical gothic. This collection is sure to leave you spellbound, questioning the very nature of reality.

The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic

by Nick Joaquin (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1422 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	476 pages

FREE

Celebrating the centennial of his birth, the first-ever U.S. publication of Philippine writer Nick Joaquin’s seminal works, with a foreword by PEN/Open Book Award–winner Gina Apostol

A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice
 
Nick Joaquin is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino writers, but he has remained little-known outside his home country despite writing in English. Set amid the ruins of Manila devastated by World War II, his stories are steeped in the post-colonial anguish and hopes of his era and resonate with the ironic perspectives on colonial history of Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa. His work meditates on the questions and challenges of the Filipino individual’s new freedom after a long history of colonialism, exploring folklore, centuries-old Catholic rites, the Spanish colonial past, magical realism, and baroque splendor and excess. This collection features his best-known story, “The Woman Who Had Two Navels,” centered on Philippine emigrants living in Hong Kong and later expanded into a novel, the much-anthologized stories “May Day Eve” and “The Summer Solstice” and a canonic play, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. As Penguin Classics previously launched his countryman Jose Rizal to a wide audience, now Joaquin will find new readers with the first American collection of his work.
 
and Suggestions for Further Reading by Vicente L. Rafael
 
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by s and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.