Wikipedia article
book cover for Edgardo M. Reyes's 'Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag'.
'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'.[
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Summary
Julio, 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 white slavery. Julio and Ligaya plan to escape.[[http://www.kabayancentral.com/book/others/mb5846173.html "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" by Edgardo M. Reyes] (Tagalog), kabayancentral.com]
Film adaptation
The 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.[ Jose Capino, writing for 'Criterion', noted that the film was met with "charges of anti-Chinese racism from reviewers."]
Translation
The book had been translated into Japanese by Motoe Terami-Wada. The novel, retitled as had become a bestselling book in Japan.[[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2501747.Sa_Mga_Kuko_ng_Liwanag "Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" by Edgardo M. Reyes] (Tagalog), goodreads.com]
See also
*Satanas sa Lupa
References
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