Customer Rating: 
Summary: not one thing or the other
Comment:
I found this book disappointing, mainly due to its disjointed structure. The author cannot decide whether he is writing as an historian, novelist, journalist or travel writer and frequently switches from one style to another. Thus an historical review is often followed by a lengthy (and quite irrelevant)describtion of the author's journey through the Philippines. In addition the author frequently switches back from one period to another and from historical analysis to conversational gossip.
The author also seems determined to constantly remind the reader of his extensive knowledge of Philippine society through his long residency in the country. However, residency does not equal expertise. This book best illustrates why histories of political figures are best left to historians rather than novelists/travel writers.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Tour-de-force
Comment: Since when was superb scholarly history as readable as this? If you read history from time to time, do yourself a favour and pick up this book. The author blends his scholarship with his intimate knowledge of the Philippines to produce that rarity in historical writing: history with atmosphere. Moreover, rich though the book is in Philippine detail, it invites reflection, not only on the life and times of Marcos, but also on the supineness of the West (a.k.a. Reagan's America).
By the way, if you are planning to visit the Philippines, this book is available in a for-sale-in-the-Philippines-only edition from the National Book Shop or Power Books in Makati at a reduced price and concomitant reduced paper quality.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A must-read for anyone who has been/is going to the PI
Comment: This is an excellent book. It gives a superb insight into the workings of The Philippines and its people, which can be quite extraordinary.The potted history in the first few chapters is excellent (and shocking).
A must for anyone who intends to visit, work or live in the PI.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Superb- one of the best books I have read for years
Comment: An amazingly entertaining mixture of poltics, history, biography and thought with tremendous educational and entetainment value. Its also a very deep book with lots to think about in terms of the environment, politics and ethics.Fantastic even if you know nothing about the Phillipines, though you won't after finishing this book
This is a massive acheivement and worth the value of ten novels from the Booker Shortlist, easily!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Superb- one of the best books I have read for years
Comment: An amazingly entertaining mixture of poltics, history, biography and thought with tremendous educational and entetainment value. Its also a very deep book with lots to think about in terms of the environment, politics and ethics.Fantastic even if you know nothing about the Phillipines, though you won't after finishing this book
This is a massive acheivement and worth the value of ten novels from the Booker Shortlist, easily!
