Forgiving Imelda Marcos

Viac o knihe

Nathan Go’s meditation on forgiveness and regret unfolds through the voice of Lito Macaraeg, a Filipino chauffeur reflecting on his life as he faces a serious heart injury. Lito reaches out to his estranged son, a journalist in the United States, to share the story of a secret meeting between Imelda Marcos and Corazon Aquino. Imelda, the extravagant wife of the late dictator, is contrasted with Corazon, a housewife who rose to prominence after her husband's assassination, leading rallies that ultimately toppled the Marcos regime. Lito served as Corazon’s personal driver and was her sole companion on the journey to meet Imelda. As he recounts this pivotal drive, Lito grapples with his loyalty to Corazon and his moral doubts about her desire to forgive Imelda. Through his narrative, Lito reveals his own life experiences, including his neglectful father who joined a Communist guerrilla movement, their life in a mountain encampment, and his struggles with poverty and ambition. Ultimately, Lito must confront his own understanding of forgiveness. This intimate novel explores themes of power, guilt, and the obligations we hold toward those we love.