Author: Donna Miscolta
Publisher: Signal 8 Press
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Hardcover, 320 pages
ISBN 10: 9881989590
ISBN 13: 9789881989598
The Book Depository / Amazon
Goodreads description:
During his one and only return visit to the Philippines, Johnny de la Cruz - plagued by a sense of isolation - succumbs to a quick sexual encounter with an old flame, the attractive and beguiling Bunny Piña.
Years later, nineteen-year-old Winston Piña has barely finished eulogizing his recently deceased mother when he finds a letter she wrote, but never sent, to Johnny. This leads Winston into the lives of the de la Cruz family - a family to which he might or might not belong.
When the de la Cruz Family Danced explores the ties within family and how they are affected by circumstances of birth, immigration, and assimilation.
My Take:
This is an interesting family story centering around Johnny de la Cruz - now suffering from a debilitating illness - and the choices he makes, as well as the lives of his wife and daughters and a young man named Winston who may or may not be the product of a long-ago, one-time encounter with a high school flame on a visit to the Philippines.
It is quietly reflective, illuminating both the rueful emotions of family members who love each other in a disconnected sense as well as the memories of past events that helped shape each of them into who and what they have become. There are some lovely moments of poignant clarity in these pages that will have the reader saying to him/herself: "I totally understand that feeling", as the author puts into words those intangible and fleeting emotions that come into play in almost any family dynamic.
QUOTE:
Johnny himself had been encouraged to join a group. People feel less alone the doctor said. But Johnny had never been a joiner. He had always declined the invitations by his neighbors to join their Filipino social clubs, their bowling leagues, their mah jongg foursomes. No, he had never joined anything. Except the navy.
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Characters: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 3 out 5 starsBOOK RATING: 3.3 out of 5 stars
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Author website
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Disclosure: I received a complimentary eBook of this title from the author to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received and I was not required to post a positive review.
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