Signos
A Fiction Anthology of Filipino Supernatural
The human and spirit worlds exist in close proximity in Signos: A Fiction Anthology of Filipino Supernatural, with stories written in English as well as translated from several languages of the Philippines.
Noting the suppression of Filipino spirituality under colonialism, the anthology’s editors link the representation of the supernatural with resistance: “the mythical elements and folkloric designs in our stories represent evolving points and counterpoints in our country’s struggles.” Several stories draw on Filipino mythology, including “Sigbin,” wherein the landlord of an apartment building is an aswang, an evil being requiring his human tenants for food. The conflict between the human and supernatural worlds is present throughout as well, including in the eerie story “Sanctuary,” wherein a woman grieving her girlfriend’s suicide is taken prisoner by a spirit with her own agenda. In other stories, spirits exist in concert with human beings, as in the poignant tale “The Haunting of Martina Luzuriaga,” wherein the ghost of a man who died young gives an older protagonist new appreciation for living.
The prose is clear, with imagery from both nature and city life. Despite the serious subject matter, there is humor and warmth as well. Some stories play with literary conventions: one is structured like an encyclopedia of women’s names; another addresses the audience directly. All are revealing glimpses of contemporary Filipino writing on the supernatural.
Reviewed by
Yelena Furman
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
