Esperanza Street published by And Other Stories

I loved this book because it drew me in from the start. It is a beautifully written first novel by an author who obviously loves people.
The story concerns the community living on Esperanza Street in a town near Manila; it is the Phillipines of the 60s and 70s.
Seen throught the eyes of 12 year old Joseph, Niyati Keni gives us so many bright pen portraits of the people Joseph sees every day, either on the street or in the house of Mary Morelos where he works as a houseboy.
The community is on the verge of change and Joseph observes with quiet but startling wisdom what is happening around him.
Being a houseboy gives his easy access to some of the conversations in Mary Morelos' house when she is entertaining the powerful people of the area.
This new author is able to write with grace and gentleness and with brutal force that surprises, as well as humour.I look forward to reading more from her.