Iris After the Incident

I've read several Filipina contemporary romance novels now, and while I respect them, I've decided they're just not my cup of tea. This novel has a lot to say about reclaiming yourself after public shaming, and the horrible, inescapable differences between the reactions faced by a man and a woman who are in similar positions. I admired Iris, I wanted her to be happy, but there was just something missing in the romance and chemistry between her and Gio. Maybe it was a little too matter-of-fact. Could be cultural differences, could be age differences (Iris is a good 30 years younger than I am, I'm sad to admit), but I think my dalliance with these novels is over. I wish Esguerra, Six de los Reyes, and their fellow Filipina authors nothing but the best; we need more diversity in the genre.