"Ilustrado" is a novel written by Miguel Syjuco, a Filipino-Canadian author. The book was published in 2008 and won the Man Asian Literary Prize in 2008 as well as the Palanca Award, one of the Philippines' most prestigious literary awards.
The novel is a complex and multi-layered work that blends various narrative techniques to tell the story of Crispin Salvador, a Filipino writer and intellectual, who is found dead in the Hudson River in New York City. The story is presented through a combination of Crispin's fictional works, his personal writings, interviews, newspaper clippings, and the first-person perspective of his student, Miguel, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his mentor's death.
The novel delves into themes of history, politics, literature, identity, and the diasporic experience of Filipinos living abroad. It explores the challenges faced by artists and intellectuals in the Philippines and the struggles they encounter as they try to navigate the complexities of their homeland's socio-political landscape. Through its intricate structure, "Ilustrado" provides a reflection on the intersections of fiction and reality, and it invites readers to question the nature of truth and storytelling.
Miguel Syjuco's novel is known for its innovative narrative approach, its exploration of Filipino cultural and political issues, and its thought-provoking examination of literature's role in shaping a nation's identity. The book offers a unique blend of mystery, literary analysis, and social commentary, making it a significant contribution to contemporary Filipino literature.
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