I have so many things to say about Hue city because like many literary fiction books that I read, this one is layered with commentaries about the society that we live in and the status of our reality.

Hue City follows three individuals Carmen from Manila, Marina from Singapore who used to live in Philippines, and Hai from Hue, Vietnam.

The chapters were alternating between the three characters so the intrigue is tied on getting to know them little by little and what will happen next on their respective goals in life.

I guess it’s a given that Marina is the most likeable character given the strength that she showed amidst all the obstacles that life had thrown on her. I like her way of thinking and how the author developed her realistically in a way that highlights her toughness balanced with moments of vulnerability.

Carmen is another character that is somehow relatable. Living in the Philippines is a struggle already (lol) and Carmen’s story captured the way some, if not most, of our kababayans tried everything to make ends meet.

And Hai. Should I talk about Hai? Well, Hai was drawn as this hardworking guy at the start - full of ambition and dedicated to earn money for his family by juggling teo jobs. But this facade blurred when we saw his true personality which I won’t elaborate here because it’s a spoiler.

Overall, I like this book. The writing style is accessible in a way that the Filipino references in here are relatable and not forced. And though I can’t vouch for the elements pertaining to Vietnam and its culture, the author easily painted a vivid picture of Hue when the story is happening in it. Love this book, I recommend it if you’re looking for something that will show you the reality of life while also taking you across the country of Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

4stars

Merged review:

I have so many things to say about Hue city because like many literary fiction books that I read, this one is layered with commentaries about the society that we live in and the status of our reality.

Hue City follows three individuals Carmen from Manila, Marina from Singapore who used to live in Philippines, and Hai from Hue, Vietnam.

The chapters were alternating between the three characters so the intrigue is tied on getting to know them little by little and what will happen next on their respective goals in life.

I guess it’s a given that Marina is the most likeable character given the strength that she showed amidst all the obstacles that life had thrown on her. I like her way of thinking and how the author developed her realistically in a way that highlights her toughness balanced with moments of vulnerability.

Carmen is another character that is somehow relatable. Living in the Philippines is a struggle already (lol) and Carmen’s story captured the way some, if not most, of our kababayans tried everything to make ends meet.

And Hai. Should I talk about Hai? Well, Hai was drawn as this hardworking guy at the start - full of ambition and dedicated to earn money for his family by juggling teo jobs. But this facade blurred when we saw his true personality which I won’t elaborate here because it’s a spoiler.

Overall, I like this book. The writing style is accessible in a way that the Filipino references in here are relatable and not forced. And though I can’t vouch for the elements pertaining to Vietnam and its culture, the author easily painted a vivid picture of Hue when the story is happening in it. Love this book, I recommend it if you’re looking for something that will show you the reality of life while also taking you across the country of Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

4stars