I did not finish this book. Picked it up a couple of times but couldn't get past 1o pages. maybe it was the format. Won't pick it up again.

I truly enjoyed Bibliolepsy and feel like it hasn't gotten enough recognition. It felt interesting and new and unique and very cool. I want more people to read Bibliolepsy to understand why I loved it!

Newly translated into English, this short novel is a coming-of-age/sexual awakening of a young woman who has the self-proclaimed obsession with the written word (of the title.) Set in the Philippines, against the back drop of political unrest, it’s a stream of consciousness kinda rambling narrative of family stories, musings on literature and questionable sexual encounters. The writing is fabulous is places, perceptive and witty, but for some reason it just didn’t add to the sum of its parts….

My response to this novel, originally published in 1997 but issued this month in the US, vacillated between annoyance and admiration. The non-linear first person narrative is rambling and disjointed, requiring attention and work from the reader to make sense of it. But then some of the writing is stunning, making the effort worthwhile. For example, "...my childhood, a space in the mind rolled up like an old carpet, and if you unfurled it, all you'd have would be random sensations of place..." The plot certainly has relevance today, involving the corrupt and autocratic Philippine government of Duterte in the 80's, and the life of the young radicals wanting change. The main character is Primi, a young woman from a dysfunctional family, who finds the most meaning in literature and the men who create it. Primi's reflection, "For where is the vagina in all the books about romance and adventure?" are a clue about the major part her sexual relationships play in the plot.

3.5 stars - thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Recently translated into English, Gina Apostol writes a short lush novel of a young woman, Primi, growing up in the Philippines with the background of the Marcos regime.

Primo and her sister lose their parents young, and are left with their wealthy grandmother (The Abuelita). Primo goes to university and discovers not only her sexual self, but more deeply develops her love of literature and poetry, after which the book is named.

It helps to know a little of Philippine history; this is a good leaping off point for the reader to learn more.

It was occasionally a little deep for me; I imaging Apostol is what one would call "an author's author." (I haven't read her other work, so perhaps it's just this title.) I enjoyed the story, which occurs between a lot of beautifully written exposition about literature. I enjoyed her subtle, yet persistent, humor about country, her lovers, and her family.