On the Book Patron Saints of Nothing
Review: Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay (2019)
Narratively and linguistically, the novel is simple. And yet, I think its very value lies on its simplicity as it ushers the reader to the beauty and filth of the Philippines, the two sides of the Duterte regime, and the source and terrible effects of the drug war.
I think the book offers a balanced view between the dangers of drug use and the horrible system put forth to eradicate it. It concurs with my personal philosophy that everything is not so black and white as echo chambers in social media put it.
Even if you are already aware of the country's social ills, the book still offers something new in talking about the lives and identities of half-Filipinos, family, the idea of personal justice, and what it means to be a good man.
As a novel, as I said, it's quite simple and easy to read. There are twists, but nothing too hard that will break your neck. It's all believable - if not already a reality to someone out there.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too.
5/5.