How Many Moons Will We See? A Lyrical Journey Through Loss and Self-Discovery

“How Many Moons Will We See?” by Francis Cullamar is a Filipino novel that plunges readers into the heart of a young boy’s odyssey through grief, self-discovery, and the intoxicating allure of adventure. While seemingly a simple tale of boyhood escapades set against the backdrop of the idyllic Philippine countryside, the novel unfolds with a lyrical depth that transcends its genre.

The protagonist, Miguel, is thrust into an unfamiliar world when his father, a respected archaeologist, mysteriously vanishes while on an expedition searching for ancient artifacts. Left to grapple with the gaping hole left by his father’s absence, Miguel embarks on a perilous journey of his own. Armed with nothing but his father’s tattered journal filled with cryptic clues and a yearning to uncover the truth, he sets out into the unknown, venturing deep into the island’s labyrinthine forests and traversing treacherous mountain trails.

Themes Woven Through Narrative Threads:

Cullamar’s prose is deceptively simple, yet it weaves together complex themes of familial love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of resilience. Miguel’s journey mirrors his own internal struggles:

• Reconciling Grief: The novel poignantly portrays Miguel’s struggle to cope with the immense grief he feels over his father’s disappearance. His initial anger and denial gradually give way to a deep sense of longing, reflected in his constant musings about his father’s love for ancient legends and the unsolved mysteries they pursued together.

• Discovering Self-Reliance: The challenges Miguel faces on his adventure force him to confront his fears and tap into reserves of strength he never knew he possessed. He learns to rely on his intuition, forge unlikely alliances with fellow adventurers who share his thirst for knowledge, and ultimately discover the power within himself to navigate uncharted territory both physically and emotionally.

• Exploring Filipino Folklore: Cullamar seamlessly integrates elements of Philippine folklore into the narrative, enriching the reading experience with mythical creatures, ancient rituals, and whispers of long-forgotten gods. This adds a layer of magical realism that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, mirroring Miguel’s own journey through uncertainty and wonder.

Production Features That Elevate the Narrative:

• Illustrative Prose: Cullamar’s writing style is characterized by vivid imagery and evocative language. He masterfully paints scenes with words, transporting readers into the heart of the Filipino landscape.

  • “The sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy, dappling the forest floor with dancing light.”
  • “The air hummed with the chirping of cicadas and the distant calls of unseen birds.”

• Intriguing Narrative Structure: The novel employs a captivating nonlinear narrative structure, shifting between Miguel’s present-day adventure and flashbacks to his childhood memories with his father. This technique heightens the sense of mystery surrounding his father’s disappearance while deepening our understanding of their complex bond.

• Cultural Immersion: Cullamar imbues the story with rich cultural details that offer a glimpse into Filipino life and traditions. From the bustling markets to the serene rituals practiced by local communities, readers are invited to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Filipino culture.

A Tableau of Literary Brilliance:

“How Many Moons Will We See?” transcends the boundaries of adventure fiction, offering readers a profound meditation on human connection, the search for meaning, and the transformative power of facing one’s fears. The novel’s lyrical prose, captivating narrative structure, and rich cultural tapestry make it a truly unforgettable literary experience.