In the Claws of Brightness (Filipino: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag), is a 1986 Tagalog language novel written by Filipino author Edgardo M. Reyes, originally serialized in Liwayway magazine from 1966 to 1967. The title In the Claws of Brightness is a word-for-word literal translation of the Tagalog title, which as a phrase effectively makes little sense in English. A more practical English translation would be At the Verge of Dawn. The story became the basis for the award-winning Filipino film, Manila in the Claws of Light.[1]
 1986 cover art for Edgardo M. Reyes's Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag | |
| Author | Edgardo M. Reyes |
|---|---|
| Language | Tagalog |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | De La Salle University Press |
Publication date | 1966-1967 |
| Publication place | Philippines |
Summary
editJulio, a poor fisherman, goes to Manila to search for his betrothed named Ligaya. Sometime before Julio's trip, Ligaya had left with a lady named Mrs. Cruz in order to study and work in the city. Now in Manila, Julio becomes a victim to some of the city's scums. Julio experiences abuses while working in a construction site. He eventually loses his job and desperately looks for a decent place where he can sleep. Slowly, Julio develops a cynical demeanor as he gradually loses hope of ever finding Ligaya.
All this is put on hold, however, when Julio finally reunites Ligaya, and learns from her that she is a victim of sex trafficking. Julio and Ligaya plan to escape.[2]
Film adaptation
editThe 1975 adaptation of the book entitled Manila in the Claws of Light was directed by award-winning director Lino Brocka. The script was written by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.[1] Jose Capino, writing for Criterion, noted that the film was met with "charges of anti-Chinese racism from reviewers."[3]
Translation
editThe book had been translated into Japanese by Motoe Terami-Wada. The novel, retitled as Manila: Hikaru Tsume (マニラ : 光る爪) had become a bestselling book in Japan.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" by Edgardo M. Reyes (Tagalog), goodreads.com
- ^ "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" by Edgardo M. Reyes (Tagalog), kabayancentral.com
- ^ Capino, Jose (2018-06-12). "Manila in the Claws of Light: A Proletarian Inferno". Criterion. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
External links
edit- Excerpt of Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag by Edgardo M. Reyes from Panitikan sa Pilipinas (Literature in the Philippines)] (Tagalog) at books.google.com
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