Scan barcode
A review by theengineerisreading
The Solemn Lantern Maker: A Novel by Merlinda Bobis
4.0
Surprising is an understatement to describe The Solemn Lantern Maker because this novel is such a revelation.
TSLM follows ten-year-old Noland, a mute lantern maker, during Christmas time as he, along with his friend Elvis, try to make the most of the holiday season by selling his handmade lanterns. But a drive-by shooting of an investigative journalist changed their lives - is it for better or for worse?
Equally gorgeous and disconcerting, Merlinda Bobis crafted a realistic and still-relevant world with The Solemn Lantern Maker. I was surprised when I saw that this is originally published in 2008 because the events that happened in the book remain pertinent with the current socio-political landscape of the Philippines.
The novel started with a buoyant tone as Noland and Elvis, together with their adult friend Bobby Cool, navigated the busy intersection to sell lanterns while also painting Noland as this dreamy kid who is fascinated with angels and stars. But that opening is just a sneak peek to the bigger picture because what happened next unravelled to a series of revelation that highlighted Philippines’ actuality through the lens of Noland, Elvis, Nora, and Cate Burns.
There’s a lot to be said about this book but one thing that I’ll leave you with is that though TSLM tackles heavy themes, it will also give a different perspective with hints of hopefulness from the voices of Noland and Elvis.
TSLM follows ten-year-old Noland, a mute lantern maker, during Christmas time as he, along with his friend Elvis, try to make the most of the holiday season by selling his handmade lanterns. But a drive-by shooting of an investigative journalist changed their lives - is it for better or for worse?
Equally gorgeous and disconcerting, Merlinda Bobis crafted a realistic and still-relevant world with The Solemn Lantern Maker. I was surprised when I saw that this is originally published in 2008 because the events that happened in the book remain pertinent with the current socio-political landscape of the Philippines.
The novel started with a buoyant tone as Noland and Elvis, together with their adult friend Bobby Cool, navigated the busy intersection to sell lanterns while also painting Noland as this dreamy kid who is fascinated with angels and stars. But that opening is just a sneak peek to the bigger picture because what happened next unravelled to a series of revelation that highlighted Philippines’ actuality through the lens of Noland, Elvis, Nora, and Cate Burns.
There’s a lot to be said about this book but one thing that I’ll leave you with is that though TSLM tackles heavy themes, it will also give a different perspective with hints of hopefulness from the voices of Noland and Elvis.