The Last Time I Saw Mother - by Arlene J Chai (Paperback)

About the Book

Caridad is a wife and mother, a native of the Philippines living in Sydney, Australia. Out of the blue Caridad's mother summons her home--to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years. Now, through the words of her mother, aunt and cousin, Caridad learns her family's hidden history--the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, when Japan's brutal occupation and civilian deprivations destroyed a country and its history.

Book Synopsis

"AN OFTEN LYRICAL AND ALWAYS TOUGH-MINDED DEBUT . . . Provides rare insight into the three cultures--Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino--that coexist in the Philippines."
--The New York Times Book Review

Caridad's mother never writes. So when a letter arrives for her in Sydney from Manila, Caridad doesn't even recognize her mother's handwriting. There is more distance than just miles between the two women. And that is why Caridad is called home. Her mother needs to talk. And to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years.

As Caridad hears at last the unspoken stories, and the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, she will learn a startling truth that will change her life forever. For Caridad is not who she thinks she is. . . .

"Beautifully written . . . Reading each chapter is like having a conversation with a close friend."
--Chicago Tribune

"A sensitive . . . portrait of a family of Filipina women . . . The novel illuminates much modern Philippine history."
--The Boston Globe

About the Author

Arlene J. Chai was born and educated in Manila. In 1982, she migrated to Sydney with her parents and sisters and now lives in Northern Beaches. After more years as an advertising copywriter than she cares to mention, she had a year off during which she wrote The Last Time I Saw Mother. She is at work on a second novel.