Spot Shelf: Majestic Trees, the Celebes Sea + More in El Arbol de la Alegria
It's RM Topacio-Aplaon's first novel in the Southern Quartet series.
(SPOT.ph) Initially, readers might perceive RM Topacio-Aplaon's El Arbol de la Alegria as a tranquil read. The words are artfully woven in a familiar language, occasionally sprinkled with Bisaya, creating an intimate atmosphere. The narrative's cadence flows openly, inviting readers to anticipate what will happen on the next page. As the story unfolds, readers become deeply invested in the main character and are jolted by a weighty revelation at the story's conclusion.
El Arbol de la Alegria is Topacio-Aplaon's first novel in the Southern Quartet series, set in various locations in the southern part of the Philippines.
At the center of the story is Santiago "Thiago" Javier, who leads a simple and routine life as a delivery man (referred to as "logistics personnel" in his contract). He operates a second-hand minivan, a Daihatsu Haizetto, to deliver letters and packages to a location known as El Arbol de la Alegria, a prominent logging company. Within this location lies an arboretum, which serves as Thiago's sanctuary when he seeks solitude.
His routine is defined by three activities: watching the straight horizon of the Celebes Sea, spending time beneath the canopies of large trees, and visiting the cemetery to pay his respects to his mother, whom he only knew through his father's stories.
The book is akin to an onion that readers slowly peel away, enabling them to unravel the character's inner thoughts and the past he is attempting to leave behind.
Character-Driven Novel
Readers are introduced to a character who relishes the simplicity of life and discovers happiness and contentment in spending time beneath towering trees.
The first part delves into Thiago's present identity, while the second part explores the past he seeks to escape. This section serves as an oasis for readers, revealing the reasons behind his current state. As a child, he took pleasure in observing the world from elevated vantage points, whether it was an abandoned building, construction scaffolding, or the bell tower of a church. He found joy in solitude.
The old saying goes, "The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike," signifying that bad things can happen to good people. From the beginning, Thiago never preferred complications. However, individuals who dislike complications often find themselves drawn to them.
She encountered two strong-willed women, both widowed by disasters brought about by the sea. One is willing to let her heart beat once more and take another chance at life, while the other is to introduce him to his mother, whom he never knew.
This book delves deeply into how the past can persistently haunt individuals and never release its grip unless adequately confronted.
Amalgamation of Power Struggle
A central theme in the book revolves around the role of power struggles in Thiago's life—his father meeting his mother, who chose her dreams over them; his father's death, not due to an expected disease but at the hands of rebels; experiencing sexual assault by a guy friend and being falsely accused of a crime; or, worst of all, being betrayed by a friend.
Even Thiago's relationship with the owner of El Arbol is overshadowed by power dynamics—an offer to work for him in exchange for access to the arboretum. His boss has strong political connections.
This book is characterized by darker and psychological themes, delving into the complexities of human nature, moral ambiguity, and the cataclysmic aspects of society.
Topacio-Aplaon's Distinct Writing Style
Topacio-Aplaon employs language in both its creative and accessible forms, enticing readers to delve deeply into the characters' psychological depths. His choice of words and cadence, which remains distinctive throughout the book, infuses his writing with a vibrant life.
His detailed descriptions of how Thiago experiences moments beneath the towering trees, the shadows caressing his serene face, and the piercing rays of the sun bathing his weary soul are vivid to the point of evoking cinematic imagery in the reader's mind.
The way he employs metaphors and imagery to encapsulate emotions allows readers to experience those feelings themselves. His narratives don't merely describe; they elicit a visceral response, awakening all the senses and synchronizing them with the rhythm of his words.
A "Surprising" Ending
Much like Aplaon's intention to depart from conventional storytelling styles, the ending delivered a surprising conclusion—an "open ending," to be precise. This technique leaves readers eagerly anticipating the second novel in the quartet series.
El Arbol de la Alegria (Isang Balangay Media Productions, 2022) by RM Topacio-Aplaon is available on Lazada for P945.
Rita T. dela Cruz is a science writer and editor at a government research institute. She finished BS Development Communication from UPLB and MA Filipino (Malikhaing Pagsulat) from UP Diliman. Her first book, Solo Flight: Mga Kuwento (Balangay Books, 2021), is available on Lazada for P617.
Also read:
Mark Angeles' Ang Huling Emotero Is a Quick Read for Busy People
Arguelles’ Asinkrono Breaks the "Rules" of What a Novel Should Be